Mexican Independence Day marked with parade and festival | Milwaukee Neighborhood News Service
Edgar Mendez
September 20, 2012
For the 41 straight year, the UMOS Mexican Independence Day parade, featuring mariachis, low-rider cars, traditional and Aztec dancers, and dignitaries including Mayor Tom Barrett, wound its way through south side streets recently.
Parade-goers and marchers were led to a festival on the grounds of the UMOS corporate headquarters, 2701 S. Chase Ave.  UMOS, a non-profit that serves area Latinos, along with almost two-dozen local businesses, sponsored the celebration of Mexican independence.
Thousands partook in the festivities, which included music, carnival rides and games, food and numerous community resource booths.
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The highlight of the opening ceremony was a stirring rendition of “El Grito de Dolores,” by Arnoldo Sevilla, a Milwaukee historian.
“El Grito” or “Cry” of Dolores was the Sept. 16, 1810 rallying cry by Roman Catholic Priest Miguel Hidalgo y Costilla, sparking the Mexican War of Independence against the Spanish colonial government.
“Viva Mexico. Viva la independencia. Viva Mexico,” shouted Sevilla, as the crowd repeated his chants.