Milwaukee – The UMOS Mexican Independence Parade and Festival marks its 46th year of the event in Milwaukee. It is the largest celebration of its kind in Wisconsin.
The celebration is held to commemorate the decades of political unrest that took place in Mexico, proceedingMiguel Hidalgo’s cry of Delores in 1810. Every year the Grito has been performed honoring the country’s bloody struggle for independence from Spain. “We are deeply honored that the Consul of Mexico-Milwaukee, Julian Adem Díaz de Leon, will authenticate our ceremony with his performance of El Grito,” says Lupe Martinez, President/CEO, UMOS. El Grito de Delores will be performed at 12:30 p.m.
PARADE: Starts at 10:00 a.m. at 20th and Oklahoma, proceeds east on Oklahoma to 6th Street, to right on Rosedale and ends at UMOS on Chase Avenue. Over 80 parade units are expected to participate in the parade,including characters like the Brewers’ Sausages, andMilwaukee Admiral’s “Roscoe,” plus high school bands, community and corporate floats, dancers and a truck load of fun. This year’s parade theme is “A Fiesta of Pride and Heritage.”
FESTIVAL-Noon to 8 p.m. (2701 South Chase Ave.): Performances by 7 bands: Banda Luna Blanca, Banda Nueva Emperadora, Banda Nueva Jaliciense, Conjunto Norteno Sacrificio, Conjunto Balazo Norteño, Tamboraso El Patron and Grupo Norteño Pasajeras de Calix. Other entertainment will include dancers, Guerreros Aztecas, Academia Cultural de Danza as well as an expanded children’s area, festive foods, merchandise vendors, beer and beverages, and community resource booths. For more information on the UMOS Mexican Independence Parade and Festival call 414-389-6002.
