THE
FESTIVAL
A DAY OF MEXICAN CULTURE, DANCE, FOOD, DRINK & MUSIC!
Mexican Independence Day Celebrations are all about music, culture, art, dance & community! We've been bringing this tradition & sharing it with the entire city of Toronto for 25 years & can't wait to continue doing so well into the future!
We typically have a full day of great programming with traditional dance, modern music, authentic food, activities for children of all ages, vendors, art, costume contests & more!
Music & Dance
Last years musical acts included Mariachi Mexico Amigo, Jaime Elizondo, Los Grandes del Norte, Saul Torres Band, Mariachi Mexico de Noche, Jay Vasquez, Luis Torres, Mariachi Viva Mexico & Rosy Cervantes.
Last years dance groups & acts included Puro Mexico Ballet, Tonatiuh Group & the Aztec Dancers Group Tonantzin.
Stay tuned for updates regarding plans for 2020.
"We believe this is a great opportunity to showcase the cultural richness of our country. We feel proud to contribute to this celebration with our talent and what we know how to play. This event helps us Mexicans in Toronto to feel closer to home, maintain our traditions and help the younger generations and other non-Mexicans to be exposed to our culture (dance, music, food, crafts, etc.)"
- Los Grandes del Norte
Activities
A number of vendors are usually onsite selling art, clothing, food & more. There's also activities for children including games, arts, crafts & face painting, so bring along the entire family!
Get your taste buds ready for a day long feast of tacos, burritos, churros, paletas, tamales & so many other delicious Mexican foods & drinks! Be sure to arrive hungry!
Food vendors for 2020 will be announced soon.
Last years vendors included: Wrestlers, Tita's Mexican Food, Rebozos, Panchos Bakery, Ixiim by Chef Erika Araujo, El Trompo Movil, El Sazon Mexicano & Mad Mexican!
When you're ready ready to do some shopping, check out a large assortment of jewelry, clothing, shirts, arts & crafts & more!
Be sure to stop by & visit vendors that will be announced soon for 2020.
Past vendors have included: Latinos, SmartTrade & Style by Me.
Last year there was also a train ride as well as mechanical animal rides for the kids as well as face painting & teens tent.
Other favourites include the annual Tamal Eating Contest as well as the Traditional Mexican Costume Contest for both Adults & Children (register onsite!) & the traditional Ceremony of 'El Grito' at 7pm! 'El Grito' is also known as 'the shout' & it has entered Mexican lore as the speech of inspiration that triggered the fight for Mexican independence.
"As promoter of the Mexican Culture and Gastronomy I am very happy to share with the Canadian Culture a little bit of my beautiful country."
- Ixiim by Chef Erika Araujo
"It is very important for me to preserve the Mexican culture and promote it through music because it helps maintain our identity."
- Rosy Cervantes
"Our beginnings start in the memory of us enjoying a sweet treat in the warm temperatures of Mexico when growing up along with our friends and family.
Our mission is to share the sweetness of life; We strive to share love through our products. We believe in strong local communities, in relationships with customers, growers, local suppliers and anyone else that is close to us. It is important to us sharing, promoting and educating on and about our delicious culture and giving back."
- Wrestlers
"Style By Me shares the voice of talented artisans from Mexico who embody their culture in textiles and jewelry.
We are proud to be a company committed to the development of artisans, as well as their families and communities promoting work and paying a fair price for their work and sharing their talent with the world."
- Style by Me
"Independence day has been significant to all Mexicans and a great time for celebration. It brings some of my best memories from Mexico and the unity of everyone in that time. ""
- La Mexicana