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.<\/p>\n
The event will showcase Hispanic culture and traditions through food, live music, dance and family-friendly activities.<\/p>\n
“We have a cultural pavilion and a place for the kids to enjoy as well,” said Flavio Arechiga, special projects manager.<\/p>\n
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.<\/p>\n
He said the effort is worthwhile because it gives thousands of attendees an opportunity to experience Latino culture.<\/p>\n
“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.<\/p>\n
The event also provides an opportunity for vendors supported by the foundation to participate. Among them is Yucaidi Bejines, owner of Corns & Snow Cones.<\/p>\n
Bejines sells street corn, snow cones and Mexican treats. She said she is grateful for the opportunity to be part of the celebration.<\/p>\n
“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.<\/p>\n
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.<\/p>\n
“It’s very emotional because we are celebrating our culture, Mexico, celebrating that we can be independent,” Bejines said.<\/p>\n
A grito ceremony honoring Mexican Independence Day is also planned as part of the event.<\/p>\n
Organizers said additional security measures will be in place, including metal detectors at every entry point.<\/p>\n
The free cultural event begins at 11 a.m. Sunday with a parade and continues until 9 p.m. that evening.<\/p>\n
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