Poetry and Drawing Contest: Mexican Patriotic Symbols, Strength of our Identity and Roots.

DATE: August 6 ? September 7

SMeaning, respect and correct use of the National Flag, the Official Shield and National Anthem.

Open to all teenagers between the ages of 13 to 16 years from all nationalities, with the objective of strengthening the identity and civic values and to promote the meaning and respect for the Mexican patriotic symbols.

All entries must be postmarked or delivered by September 7, 2007, 5pm CST

Presented by the 2007 Fiestas Patrias Committee and the Advisory Board of the Institute for Mexicans Abroad.

Tardes en Zócalo

DATE: August 24, 5pm-10pm, August 25, 12pm-10pm
PLACE: 18th St. and Paulina, Chicago

This is a free family festival where they will enjoy movies, music and dance. On Friday, August 24 the classic movie Escuela de Vagabundos with Pedro Infante will be shown. On Saturday, August 25, activities include workshops, children activities, as well as music and dance.

Event presented in coordination with The Resurrection Project.

Art Exhibit "Geografías Transitables"

DATE: August 24
TIME: 6:00 pm
PLACE: Casa Michoacán, 1638 S. Blue Island Ave. Chicago IL 60608

This exhibit features the work by artist Mizraím Cárdenas.

Event presented in coordination with FEDECMI

Engraving workshop for girls, boys and their parents

DATE: August 25
PLACE: Casa Michoacán, 1638 S. Blue Island Ave. Chicago IL 60608

Open to the public, limited space. Teaching artists: Mizraím Cárdenas and René Arceo

Event presented in coordination with FEDECM

Charreada

DATE: August 26
PLACE: Lienzo Charro La Herradura, Joliet, IL

Charro tournament and equestrian demonstrations. Event presented in coordination with FEDEJAL.

Fiestas Patrias 2007 Inaugural Event

DATE: August 30
TIME: 5:00 - 7:30 pm
PLACE: Navy Pier, Bud Light Stage

An evening to enjoy an outstanding Mariachi band and colorful folkloric dance directly from Guadalajara, Jalisco in one of the most beautiful settings in Chicago: Navy Pier and Lake Michigan. Paco Padilla, musician and artisan will also perform. This event is open to the public and free.

Event presented by the 2007 Fiestas Patrias Committee, Federación de Jaliscienses en el Medio Oeste, Gobierno del Estado de Jalisco and Metropolitan Pier Exposition Authority.

Mexican Flags Exhibit

DATE: September 4-7
PLACE: Thompson Center, 100 W. Randolph St, Chicago, IL 60601

This exhibit shows the evolution of the Mexican Flag from its origin. The public will see a replica collection of the most significant emblems in the history of Mexico.

Presented by the 2007 Fiestas Patrias Committee in coordination with the Advisory Board of the Institute of Mexicans Abroad

Photographic Exhibit: "Memories of Guanajuato"

DATE: September 5
TIME:
PLACE: 

Photography compilation from the Historical Archives of the Museum Alhóndiga de Granaditas with photographic works of different authors from the time (1890-1940) commemorating therefore the first 50 years of photography in Guanajuato where scenes from the members of society and of the daily life can be appreciated.

Presented in coordination with Asociación de Guanajuatenses.

Premier screening of the video documentary "Made in Paracho"

DATE: September 8
TIME: 6:00pm
PLACE: Casa Michoacán, 1638 S. Blue Island Ave. Chicago IL.60608

This documentary is about the guitar manufacturers in Paracho, Michoacan and the Guitar Festival that takes place annually during August. The documentary shows how a tradition that has made the inhabitants of this small town known internationally, passes on from generation to generation.

Event presented by the 2007 Fiestas Patrias Committee in coordination with FEDECMI y J&J Video Productions.

3rd Mexican Independence Skyline Tribute

DATE: September 10-16
PLACE: Main Chicago buildings and bridges

For the 3rd year, the Skyline Tribute will illuminate several main buildings and bridges in downtown Chicago with the Mexican patriotic colors: green, white and red. The tribute recognizes the important role Mexicans have played in Chicago in the past century: From the early days of the railroad and stockyard construction, to the era of development of steel companies, to modern day. Some buildings also display Mexican flags in its main entrances.

This is possible through the initiative and support of Lt. Governor of Illinois Pat Quinn, Javier Salas and the 2007 Fiestas Patrias Committee.

Old Music Ensemble "The Past Times"

DATE: September 13-16
TIME: 
PLACE: 

This band recreates the musical art from the past to the present era. Their instruments present an imaginative independence that result on a rich musical repertoire whose reflection is the unusual mix of old and modern instruments.

Event presented by the 2007 Fiestas Patrias Committee in coordination with Asociación de Guanajuatenses.

Grito de Independencia

DATE: September 15
TIME: 5:00 a 10:00 p.m.
PLACE: Harrison Park, 18th Street y Damen St., Chicago, IL. 60608

In celebration of the 197th anniversary of the Mexican Independence, the General Consul of Mexico in Chicago will re-enact the Cry of Independence, just as Father Don Miguel Hidalgo y Costilla did the night of September 15th in 1810.

A celebration to be enjoyed by everyone, the event will feature musical presentations by regional Mexican bands, mariachi, folkloric dance and much more.

Radio Novel "El Grito de la Libertad en el Pueblo de Dolores"

DATE: September 15
TIME: 8:00 p.m.
PLACE: 1200 AM La Tremenda

Work by the Mexican writer Don José Joaquín Fernández de Lizardi based on the previous moments to the armed movement on September 15, 1810.

The cast includes actors from Grupo Teatro del Pueblo and in the role of Don Miguel Hidalgo, the first actor Zamir Tamer.

Direction and adaptation for radio: Javier Salas
Rescue and adaptation: Mtro. José Eduardo Vidaurri
Production: Asociación de Guanajuatenses

Event presented by Asociación de Guanajuatenses.

Little Village Independence Parade

DATE: September 16
TIME: 12:00 p.m.
PLACE: 26th St., between Albany Ave. adn Kostner Ave.

The 26th Street Mexican Independence Day Parade, a tradition within the Mexican community is organized by the Little Village Chamber of Commerce.

This special celebration of Mexican history and culture has become the most colorful and largest parade in the Midwest. It is a truly spectacular event which attracts over 400,000 live spectators.

At the end of the parade, the public participates in a festival that offers music, food and entertainment for the whole family.

Roundtable "Our Independence Today"

DATE: September 21
TIME: 5:00 - 9:00 p.m.
PLACE: Alumni Hall, Northeastern Illinois University, 5500 N. St Louis Ave., Chicago, IL 60625

This roundtable will include discussions about organized experiences of the civic society in Mexico and the United States that promote autonomy and development of the Latino community in Chicago.

Event presented by the 2007 Fiestas Patrias Committee in coordination with Northeastern Illinois University.

"Miguel Hidalgo" Cup, Soccer tournament with the Mexican Federations.

DATE: September 23
TIME: 10:00 a.m.
PLACE: Curie School, 4959 S. Archer Ave. Chicago, IL.

Evento organized by Confederación de Federaciones Mexicanas (CONFEMEX)

Mariachi Vargas de Tecalitlán

DATE: September 29
TIME: 7:30 p.m.
PLACE: Orchestra Hall at Symphony Center

Known as the "best mariachi band of the world", Mariachi Vargas de Tecalitlán was founded in 1898 by Gaspar Vargas, Manuel Mendoza and two violinists. Now in its fifth generation, Mariachi Vargas established in Mexico City since 1933, has recorded more than 50 CD?s and has appeared in more than 200 films and music videos.

Presented by the Symphony Center in coordination withThe Resurrection Project.