Norristown Celebrates Mexican Independence This Saturday

As part of the continuing Norristown Bicentennial Celebration, the municipality will host the Festival del Grito de la Independencia de Mexico, commemorating Mexico’s independence from Spain this Saturday, September 15, from noon to 6 p.m. at the Astor Shopping Center on Markley Street, across from Studio Centre.

Festival goers will have a chance to enjoy authentic Mexican cuisine, a Mariachi group and other local musical artists, a health pavilion, arts and culture, street performers, games, prizes and more. The festival will also include live music from popular latino bands Alvaro el Plebe y los Konpaz de Guerrero, Agustin Mariche and Los Brazeros Musical de Durango.  

"I am deeply honored by the fact that we will be remembering our national heroes among our friends in Norristown," said Consul Carlos Giralt-Cabrales of the Mexican Consulate in Philadelphia in a release provided by the Valley Forge Convention and Visitors Bureau. 

“This is a great City that embraces diversity and the celebration of the Mexican Independence Day proves it. As many people know, on September, 16, 1810, a group of Mexican freedom fighters headed by Priest Miguel Hidalgo initiated the libertarian movement that ignited the Independence of our country. In modern times, the celebration included a recreation of the historical moment, throughout a ceremony, popularly called El Grito. As far as we can remember, this will be the first official Mexican Independence celebration in Norristown. We are very honored for that,” said Giralt-Cabrales. 

Sponsors of the event include:

• Conicelli Autoplex
• 6ABC
• The Times Herald
• Telemundo Philadelphia
• El Zol Philly 1340AM
• Azteca Philly
• Bimbo Bakeries
• Keystone Mercy Health Plan
• Valley Forge Convention and Visitors Bureau
• Citizens Bank
• Einstein Healthcare Network
• PECO
• Law Offices of Cullen and Conwell, LLC
• ARS Premium Foods
• Wells Fargo
• Health Partners
• United Health Care
• Montgomery County Community College
• El Primo Produce Junction

According to the 2010 Census, 28% of Norristown residents are of Hispanic or Latino ancestry and many are recent immigrants. As a result of that growth, new businesses have opened, revitalizing many areas in Norristown, especially along the West Marshall Street business district.

The Festival del Grito de la Independencia de Mexico is part of Norristown's Bicentennial Celebration, culminating with the 2012 Pennsylvania State Firemen's Convention & Parade from Sept. 27-29. For more information about Norristown's Bicentennial, visit Norristown200.com.