by Xochitl Campos
Daily Lobo
Contrary to popular belief, Mexico's independence day is not the holiday of Coronas and sombreros many Americans know as Cinco de Mayo.
In actuality, it's Dieciseis de Septiembre, or Sept. 16.
In Mexico, the streets are lined with flags and celebration, said Xochitl Ramirez, a native of Mexico.
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After 15 years in New Mexico, it's still difficult for Ramirez to be away from her hometown of Juarez, she said.
Ramirez was at the National Hispanic Cultural Center on Sunday to celebrate her country's independence day.
The center had face-painting booths and inflatable funhouses for children, along with Mariachi music and cumbia dance groups.
The center was adorned with the country's colors - green, white and red. Attendees paraded and danced around waving miniature Mexican flags.
For many people in attendance, the main attraction was the music, Tomas Hernandez said. Hernandez is from Veracruz but has lived in Albuquerque for the past 20 years.
Hernandez said he's now accustomed to missing independence day in his own country, but he's glad the center puts on the event.
The center organized the event with the Mexican Consulate to honor the heritage of many New Mexicans and to create a celebration that would attract members of the growing immigrant community, said Adam Trujillo, chairman of the center's foundation board of trustees.
"What we're trying to do is assist in the cultural and educational opportunities for community members of Mexican descent," Trujillo said. "We're here to create a better understanding between the Mexicans and the New Mexicans of this community."
The center caters to a variety of nationalities in Spain and Latin America.
"We want to do everything we can to help the community feel comfortable," Trujillo said.
In the past 10 years, the city has seen a huge increase in the amount of Mexican immigrants coming to Albuquerque, Trujillo said.
"We have never had a presence like we do now of Mexican immigrants," Trujillo said. "We've got this center, and we feel it is important to have the two cultures interact with each other."
One of the long-term goals of the center is to get more people to understand the culture of
New Mexico, Trujillo said.
"We're just trying to get as many people involved, and hopefully they'll leave with a good impression of what we're trying to accomplish," he said.
Clara Apodaca, president and CEO of the center's foundation, said that events like Dieciseis de Septiembre are important for the community and get more people involved in the center.
Ramirez said the main plaza of the center may not be the National Palace in Mexico City, but it was perfect for the occassion.
