EL PASO, Texas (KFOX14\/CBS4) \u2014 El Paso will celebrate Mexican culture, history and its deep ties to the border region when the fourth annual Vivamos M\u00e9xico celebration returns Sept. 12.<\/p>\n
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.<\/p>\n
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-Ju\u00e1rez region unique.<\/p>\n
\u201cWe were excited to announce that Vivamos M\u00e9xico is returning for its fourth annual celebration,\u201d Underwood said. \u201cWe want to invite everyone to come out and enjoy the lucha libre, the wonderful fare and food.\u201d<\/p>\n
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.<\/p>\n
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.<\/p>\n
Underwood said the ceremony is an important reminder of the region’s history and the close relationship between El Paso and Mexico.<\/p>\n
\u201cI don’t think it’s overused when we talk about our sister city Ju\u00e1rez or the relationship that we have with Mexico,\u201d Underwood said. \u201cThat’s what makes us unique.\u201d<\/p>\n