Fiesta

Diez y Seis de Septiembre Fiesta (September 17 & 18, 2011) on the Mesilla Plaza

The celebration kicks off with a parade at 11 a.m. along Avenida de Mesilla. The fiesta begins at noon and runs until 10 p.m. Saturday, and again from noon to 7 p.m. Sunday. There is no admission charge.

The parade will begin in the Mercado area and will continue to 4 Points Cotton Gin. The parade is themed A Tribute to Mesilla’s Past, and will feature long-time Mesilla residents who are 80 years and older as the grand marshals. There will also be a float with queens from Mesilla’s past fiestas. Additionally, the parade will feature marching bands, color guards, antique vehicles, law enforcement vehicles, fire trucks and various other groups.

Twenty to thirty vendor booths will line the plaza offering a variety of products including art, crafts, games, drinks and food. As an additional dedication to Mesilla’s history, several photos and other historical memorabilia will be on display at Yannes Hall for local families to enjoy. There will also be a car show featuring local antiques and classics on Calle Principal. Children will have several activities to choose from, including amusement rides provided by Playtime Amusement, piñatas and the greased pole climb, sponsored by Andele Restaurant in Old Mesilla. Emily Guerra will serve as the master of ceremonies.

Diez y Seis de Septiembre, the 16^th of September, marks the launch of Mexico’s struggle for independence from Spain. On Sept. 16, 1810, Miguel Hidalgo de Costilla led the first large revolutionary forces against the Spaniards. The holiday is similar to July 4 in the United States of America. The celebration in Mesilla began in the late 1800s and ran through 1980. There was no fiesta held for 10 years until it was revived in 1990 and has been held every year since then.

Alcohol, smoking and pets are not allowed on the plaza. Attendees may bring folding chairs for their convenience. For more information, call the Town of Mesilla at (575) 524-3262 ext. 116.