Four blocks of downtown Fresno’s Fulton Street will come alive this weekend as the community gathers to celebrate Hispanic Heritage Month during Fiestas Patrias.

The event will showcase Hispanic culture and traditions through food, live music, dance and family-friendly activities.

“We have a cultural pavilion and a place for the kids to enjoy as well,” said Flavio Arechiga, special projects manager.

Fiestas Patrias is organized by the Fresno Area Hispanic Foundation. Arechiga said the foundation has collaborated with the city and other organizations to bring the event together, a process that involves extensive work behind the scenes.

He said the effort is worthwhile because it gives thousands of attendees an opportunity to experience Latino culture.

“It’s important not just to those from Mexico and living here now to celebrate but also for the younger generations to come enjoy something they maybe haven’t before,” Arechiga said.

The event also provides an opportunity for vendors supported by the foundation to participate. Among them is Yucaidi Bejines, owner of Corns & Snow Cones.

Bejines sells street corn, snow cones and Mexican treats. She said she is grateful for the opportunity to be part of the celebration.

“Especially because we are Mexican so I am excited and 100% happy to be part of it and I could see all my people and the bands and the parade and everything around us,” Bejines said.

At Fiestas Patrias, Bejines and her husband will operate two brightly colored carts while taking part in the festivities. She said the event carries personal significance.

“It’s very emotional because we are celebrating our culture, Mexico, celebrating that we can be independent,” Bejines said.

A grito ceremony honoring Mexican Independence Day is also planned as part of the event.

Organizers said additional security measures will be in place, including metal detectors at every entry point.

The free cultural event begins at 11 a.m. Sunday with a parade and continues until 9 p.m. that evening.

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