EL PASO, Texas (KFOX14/CBS4) — El Paso will celebrate Mexican culture, history and its deep ties to the border region when the fourth annual Vivamos México celebration returns Sept. 12.
The free, family-friendly event will take place from 5 to 11 p.m. and bring together thousands of residents for an evening of live entertainment, food, cultural activities and a commemoration of Mexican independence.
Brooke Underwood, president and CEO of Destination El Paso, said the annual celebration has continued to grow while giving the community an opportunity to recognize the culture and history that make the El Paso-Juárez region unique.
“We were excited to announce that Vivamos México is returning for its fourth annual celebration,” Underwood said. “We want to invite everyone to come out and enjoy the lucha libre, the wonderful fare and food.”
Among the activities planned are a taco-eating contest, an edible salsa-making competition and a chancla-throwing contest. Attendees can also expect lucha libre, music and other entertainment throughout the evening.
A centerpiece of the celebration will be the traditional Mexican independence ceremony led by the Consulate General of Mexico in El Paso. The ceremony includes the ringing of the independence bell and the traditional battle cry associated with El Grito de Independencia.
Underwood said the ceremony is an important reminder of the region’s history and the close relationship between El Paso and Mexico.
“I don’t think it’s overused when we talk about our sister city Juárez or the relationship that we have with Mexico,” Underwood said. “That’s what makes us unique.”
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Organizers are also inviting residents from across the region, including Southern New Mexico, to attend and learn more about Mexican history and border culture.
This year’s celebration will introduce another cultural experience: demonstrations of ulamaliztli, an ancient Aztec ballgame.
Underwood described it as one of history’s earliest team sports, in which players use their hips to move a ball. Attendees will be able to watch demonstrations and learn more about how the game is played.
El Paso Mayor Renard Johnson said the celebration provides an opportunity to showcase the identity of the borderland and the city’s relationship with Ciudad Juárez.
“This is very important for me as the mayor of El Paso because it’s a chance for us to showcase who we truly are as a region, our relationship with our sister city of Juárez, Mexico, to show that we’re truly one,” Johnson said.
Johnson said the event drew about 6,000 people when it began, and organizers are estimating attendance could surpass 9,000 this year.
In addition to cultural demonstrations, visitors can expect music, dancing, lotería and activities designed for the entire family.
The celebration is a partnership among Destination El Paso, the Consulate General of Mexico in El Paso and the City of El Paso.
“This event is for us,” Johnson said. “We’re putting this event on for you, so come out and enjoy it.”
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