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Mexican Pride: Honoring Mexico's Independence in Yuma

KAWC | By Carmen Márquez

Published September 16, 2026 at 12:42 PM MST

Yuma residents dressed in traditional Mexican Attires at the Yuma Civic Center

Tuesday evening, hundreds of Yuma residents gathered to celebrate Mexico's independence in a night full of tradition.

Food, art, culture and heritage were commemorated at the Mexican Independence Day Celebration. The Mexican Consulate in Yuma organized "Fiestas Patrias," their annual festivity at the Yuma Civic Center with guests from Baja California and Gadsden and all around Yuma County.

In the Mexican tradition, families dress up to attend the Grito de Independencia, and this adorable toddler proudly wears a traditional folkloric dress.

During the celebration Banda De Guerra y Escolta, from the Universidad Autonoma De Baja California was present, alongside Los Tenores Cachanillas from Mexicali, Banda Sinaloense from Gadsden School District and last but not least Mariachi "Los Viajeros" from the Universidad Autonoma de Baja California.

Sebastian Martinez Rodriguez, in white, danced during Fiestas Patrias. In the picture is mom, Esmeralda Rodriguez and family showing support.

Sebastian Martinez Rodriguez, was not only part of the event as a dancer for Grupo de Baile Folklorico Maya from Gadsden, but he was also celebrating his 14th birthday. His mother, Esmeralda Rodriguez was proudly supporting dressed in a traditional Mexican dress and showing up with the whole family.

Mina Barnet, from the Comcaac tribe, an indigenous group numbering around 1,000 individuals who live along the arid coastal desert of Sonora, Mexico.

Mina Barnet, is part of the Comcaac people, "La gente," an indigenous tribe of 700 people who live along the coastal desert of Sonora. Mina describes that she preserves the traditions of her ancestors, like the paintings on her face to maintain her heritage alive.

Alejandra Reyes shows her hand made, mexican skirt in commemoration of Fiestas Patrias.

Alejandra Reyes, arrived in a mexican folklore hand made skirt and says in one word this days means "pride," for her.
"But in general, it sends me back to my childhood times when I used to go to school and see the band and the flag, I have really light memories of that, so it was really great to relive that."

Julian Alegria and brother Adrian Zaragoza attend their first Mexican Independence Day celebration.

At only 11 years of age, Julian Alegria is celebrating his first Mexican Independence Day at the Yuma Civic Center.
"I feel welcome and I just love it here," said Julian.

His brother, Adrian Zaragoza, a second generation Mexican-American hugs his brother and tells KAWC, "I feel like what it means to me is I get to be a part of a culture that accepts everyone."

Doctor and Yuma resident, Diego Marquez, hugs his daughter Ivanna.

Doctor and Yuman, Diego Marquez has been attending the Fiestas Patrias Celebrations for the last 12 years. And this is the third year he attends with his 4-year old daughter Ivanna Marquez. For Dr. Diego Marquez, passing a long a tradition is about preserving his heritage.
"It was a normal day until I realized that she has a lot of roots that she doesn't know about as a Mexican-American, and it was actually kind of moving when they played the mexican himn and they saw the flag come out," said Diego.

4 year old, Ivanna Marquez, wore a traditional outfit, pink mexican boots and trenzas.

Pink, non-negotiable mexican boots worn by Ivanna M.

Piñata, an object in the shape of an animal, etc. that contains sweets. — _{Piñata, an}_object_{in the}_shape_{of an}_animal_{, etc. that}_contains_sweets_.

For many families, Fiestas Patrias was more than a celebration, it was a way to honor their roots and pass traditions on to the next generation.

From traditional music and dance to Indigenous art, food and family, the evening brought together people from both sides of the border and across Yuma County.

Organizers say the annual celebration reflects the diversity and shared heritage of the community.