Photos by Erin O’Donnell ~
On Sept. 16, Mexican nationals celebrated their country’s independence from Spain. The definitive capture of Mexico City from the Spaniards occurred almost five decades before the battle against the French commemorated by Cinco de Mayo but Americans have a hard time with history.
That could be part of the reason that the Latino Outreach Council of San Luis Obispo County decided to forgo some of the pomp and circumstance of the nationalistic holiday this year and open the Sept. 17 celebration in SLO’s Mission Plaza to, “commemorate the Latin American countries that celebrate their independence throughout the month of September: Belizeans, Brazilians, Chileans, Costa Ricans, Salvadorians, Guatemalans, Hondurans, Mexicans, and Nicaraguans.”
Mariachis, Mexican dancers and Aztec performers still made for a colorful and festive as well as much more inclusive event this year. Find out more at: facebook.com/LatinoOutreachSLO.
