OXNARD : Annual Festival Blends History, Fun and Culture

Adorned in a traditional Mexican dress, a spirited Ana Ray thrust her corn on the cob in the air Saturday at Oxnard’s annual Las Fiestas Patrias and shouted “Vive Mexico!”

The 3-year-old--accompanied by her grandparents, Richard and Margarita Ray of Oxnard--may not have been aware she was celebrating Mexico’s Independence Day, but she knows when to live it up, her grandfather said.

“She definitely knows when she’s all dressed up,” said Ray, 54.

Ana and her grandparents were among the first visitors at the annual festival held at Oxnard’s College Park, which attracts thousands of celebrants each year from around Ventura County.

“We brought her to enjoy the carnival rides and to show her off,” Richard Ray said. “I think it’s important for people to be aware of their cultural roots and be proud of who they are.”

The two-day festival, hosted by the Hispanic Chamber of Commerce of Ventura County, is replete with traditional music, ballet folklorico troupes, vendor booths, crafts and lots of freshly prepared Mexican foods.

Las Fiestas Patrias, said chamber Vice President Robert Sanchez, “is the most important celebration for Mexican citizens.”

Mexico’s drive for independence began in earnest during a 5 a.m. Mass on Sept. 16, 1810, in Guanajuato, Sanchez said, when Father Miguel Hidalgo encouraged his people to take up arms against their Spanish oppressors.

Today, the anniversary provides the opportunity for Hispanic communities to celebrate their heritage and culture, said Sanchez, an event organizer.

“It also really helps to bridge cultural understanding, to bring other cultures together. It’s an opportunity for neighbor to meet neighbor,” he said.

Tom Ward, on vacation from upstate New York, came to the festival hoping to experience a bit of Mexican culture for the first time.

“I’ve never been to a Mexican festival and I just wanted to see and feel the atmosphere,” he said. Dressed for the sunny day in shorts and a T-shirt, Ward was particularly interested in the music. “I love mariachi music and my friend said I wouldn’t be disappointed.”

Each year the festival offers an impressive lineup of entertainment, which takes place on two stages. Today’s highlights will include a performance by the internationally acclaimed group La Sonora Dinamita of Cartagena, Colombia.

With the spicy scent of grilled meats wafting in the air, Marcelo and Mary Martinez, both 66, sat near the food stands at one of the many picnic tables, sharing a plate of tacos de carnitas and enjoying a cool breeze.

It wasn’t their first plateful.

“We didn’t have breakfast so now we’re spending all my money on this great food,” Marcelo Martinez said. “We’re going to be here awhile too. We just moved here from Victorville so this ocean air is a real pleasure and to share in this festival makes it all the better.”

Admission to the festival, which continues today from 11 a.m. to 9 p.m., is $4 for adults; $3 for senior citizens, disabled residents and children from ages 6 to 12; and free for children under 5.

For more information, call the Hispanic Chamber of Commerce at 486-0266.