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On September 13, members of the Saint Xavier Community participated in the Mexican Independence Day Parade of South Chicago. A total of 20 students, three staff, and two faculty members left SXU’s Warde Academic Center at 10 a.m. to make it to the starting line in time to assemble before the parade’s kick-off at 1:00 pm.
The parade took place in the neighborhood of South Chicago and started at 87th and Commercial Avenue and ended on 99th and Commercial Avenue. Participants were encouraged to wear SXU clothing in order to better represent the university.
Many of the students who chose to participate in the parade saw it as a chance to represent Saint Xavier, as well as to express and celebrate their pride in their cultural heritage. “I am deeply inspired and culturally involved in the Hispanic culture partially because I am a proud Mexican American and I embrace my heritage,” said SXU senior speech-language pathology major, Lupe Avila.
Not all participants of the parade however, including some students from SXU, come from a Mexican background. To Avila, the diversity of the participants was the highlight of the parade. “My favorite part of the parade was to see all the people of diverse cultures and ages come together, all cheering for the celebration,” said Avila.
The parade also gave participants the opportunity to celebrate and learn about the history of Mexican independence. Observed on September 16, Mexican Independence Day marks the beginning of the war in 1810 that led to Mexico´s independence from Spain.
The history that the parade celebrates is one of the reasons that SXU Associate Professor of History, Amanda M. López, decided to attend the event. “I study and teach the history of Mexico and my father is from Mexico, so Mexican Independence is dear to my heart. Plus, I wanted to celebrate the day with our students,” said López.
The Mexican Independence Parade has been an annual tradition in the neighborhood of South Chicago for 76 years. “The parade was a lot of fun. There were a variety of floats and participants; everything from low rider cars to Mexican cowboys (charros) on horseback. My favorite part was when people along the parade route would shout “Viva México!” (Long live Mexico!) and we would shout “Viva México” back to them,” said López.
SXU’s participation in the Mexican Independence Day Parade came right before the start of the university’s celebration of Hispanic Heritage month, which began September 15 and will last until October 15.
The month’s events are sponsored by SXU Student Activities and Unidos, a student organization that strives to create events that appreciate, promote and serve Latin American culture.
Professor Lopez believes that participation in events such as the Mexican Independence day Parade and other events that promote Latin American culture is becoming increasingly important for the SXU community.
“In the past few years, our Latino student population has grown immensely. It is important that we participate in community cultural events that are relevant to their lives,” said Lopez. However, for Lopez the urgency to expand knowledge on the Latino culture expands far beyond the local community and reaches into American culture in general.
“But, for all of our students, recognizing and learning about Latino culture and history is important because Latinos have played a huge role in U.S. culture and history for centuries,” Lopez said. Even more than that, Lopez expanded by saying that this dialogue is valuable in the international community as well.
“Mexico is our closest neighbor and we share an enormous border. We need to encourage celebration of that partnership,” said López. Lopez hopes that SXU’s participation in the Mexican Independence Parade will continue and grow in the years ahead.
“I think it is great that SXU participated in the parade and I hope we make it an annual tradition. Maybe next year, we can get a float or get the marching band involved!” said López. Avila hopes that more students will participate in the parade in the future in order to learn more about the rich culture and history of Mexico.
“By participating in the parade students are able to experience a part of the enriched Mexican culture,” Avila said. Avila also commented on the experience of the parade in general, explaining a selection of the sights to be seen.
People were dressed in traditional indigenous style. The different styles of music were present as well,” Avila said. Avila also finished by saying that she hopes more people join in on the experience next year at the parade.
“The parade was a wonderful experience and I would encourage Saint Xavier University students to participate in it for the years to come to become culturally aware and exposed to diversity,” Avila said.
For more news keep up to date with The Xavierite and if you want to contact us with any thoughts from this Hispanic Heritage Month, send us a Letter to the Editor (see page 4 for further instructions).
Yasmeen Abdellatif
News Editor