THE
FESTIVAL
A FULL 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!
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We 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
Get ready for a day long slate of performers including mariachis, dancers, musicians & more!
Confirmed musical acts include: 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.
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Confirmed dance groups & acts include: Puro Mexico Ballet, Tonatiuh Group, Aztec Dancers Group Tonantzin.
"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 will be 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!
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Food vendors include: Wrestlers, Tita's Mexican Food, Rebozos, Panchos Bakery, Ixiim by Chef Erika Araujo, El Trompo Movil, El Sazon Mexicano & Mad Mexican!
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When you're ready ready to do some shopping, check out a large assortment of jewelry, clothing, shirts, arts & crafts & more!
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Be sure to stop by & visit vendors including: Latinos, SmartTrade & Style by Me. Be sure to also check out the train ride or mechanical animal rides for the kids, as well as visit the teens or face painting tents!
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Don't forget the Tamal Eating Contest open to the public 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
Getting Here
Nathan Phillips Square is located at 100 Queen Street West, Toronto right in the heart of downtown. Whether you decide to take the TTC, GO Transit, UP, VIA Rail or drive, our festivities are centrally located & easy to access. You can use a map point at this link to help plan your route! There are four easily accessible TTC subway stations surrounding the site as well as bike share locations on site if you prefer to cycle in.
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If you plan on driving to the event, please note that there is underground parking available at Nathan Phillips Square as well as several other paid parking options in the area. As always, lots are subject to availability and pricing varies.
"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