Press Release

For immediate release on August 1, 2008

Contact person: Julius Velasquez

Diez y Seis hotline: (512) 538-1351

Fiestas Patrias of Austin presents the 30^th annual Diez y Seis de Septiembre fiesta music festival on September 12-13, 2008 at Fiesta Gardens. This City of Austin park is located on the north shores of Town Lake east of I H 35. Commemorating Mexico’s declaration of independence from Spain in 1810, Fiestas Patrias of Austin invites the Austin community to the Diez y Seis fiesta to celebrate and recognize the national holiday of Mexican Independence Day.

This fiesta will bring the Mexican and Mexican-American communities together as they celebrate the rich heritage, history, and culture of their Mexican ancestors who fought for their independence from the Spanish government during the early 1800’s. The determination to succeed in seeking liberty, and correcting social injustices imposed by the Spaniards inspired Father Miguel Hidalgo y Costilla to proceed and execute his plans for revolution on September 15, 1810.

On this web site you can find a brief history of the events that lead up to Mexico’s declaration of independence on September 16, 1810.

The two-day event will feature a variety of Tejano, Conjunto, and Norteno bands that will bring the extraordinary sound of the accordion to life through various levels of rhythms and beats. The unique sound that is incorporated using different types of stringed, horned, and electronic instruments along with the vocal harmony of these colorful bands brings the heart and soul of Mexico to life on the stage at Fiesta Gardens. Musical acts and entertanment are subject ot change.

Headlining this year's event on Friday, September 12, is
Grammy award winner Jimmy Gonzalez y El Grupo Mazz and Los TexManiacs de David Farias. On Saturday, September 13, entertainment will be provided by various Norteno Groups, Latin-Hip-hop, featuring Los Internacionales Jilgueros del Arroyo, Los A-T Boyz, who will perform a medley of accordian and bajo sexto infused music.

 There will also be many different booths with games, face painting, arts & crafts and children's ride provided by Three Ring Service.

Along with the tradition festival food fare of hamburgers, Bar-B-Que, corn on the cob, hot wings and other delights, there will also be many food booths specializing in festive foods and many different culinary delights from the Mexican and Mexican-American cultures. Food specialties like gorditas which are made from cornmeal, fried and then stuffed with fajitas, chicken, chicharones, beans and then topped with vegetables makes t unique delicacy a must try meal experience. Various tacos made with flour or corn tortillas and then topped with salsas of varying heat temperatures and other condiments will make your mouth water and have you craving for more.

Many of the countries throughout Latin America, South America, and the Caribbean are also celebrating their independence during the month of September. During the month of September, National Hispanic Month is observed throughout the United States as Latinos celebrate the independence of their ancestral country from Spain.

Fiesta Gardens is located at 1901 Bergman St. Coming south on I H 35 take the Cesar Chavez exit. Take a left on Cesar Chavez St. to Comal St., which will be your second traffic light. Take a right on Comal St. heading south for six blocks to the parking area located behind Martin Jr. High.

Heading north on I H 35 take the Cesar Chavez exit. Take a right on Cesar Chavez St. to Comal St., which will be your second Traffic light. Take a right on Comal St. heading south for six blocks to the parking area located behind Martin Jr. High.

For further information about this event contact the Diez y Seis hotline at 512-538-1351 or view or web-site at  www.diezyseis.org e-mail julius@diezyseis.org