Fun Amid a Salute to Latin Culture

He’ll roll up in his 1981 Dodge Ramcharger, custom-painted red, white and blue and decorated with stars and stripes, his 300-watt stereo blasting Mexican ranchero music. Community grand marshal Jose Vargas will celebrate at Fiesta Patrias 2000, which begins today and continues through Sunday in downtown Santa Ana with a parade, a carnival, food booths and entertainment.

Vargas, 64, has attended the fiesta for 12 years, and it’s a chance to flaunt his flashy, cross-cultural patriotic style.

“We can be in love with Mexico and still be a part of this great American country,” he says with pride.

Born in Mexico, Vargas has lived in Santa Ana nearly all his life. A 25-year veteran of the Santa Ana Police Department who will retire in December, he made history among Orange County law enforcement agencies after becoming the first Spanish-speaking public information officer and developing a Hispanic Affairs unit.

Today he’ll be decked out in fancy Western duds a la Mexican president-elect Vicente Fox. Vargas says he’s inspired by the man’s flair--his folksy manner and size 12 cowboy boots.

“I want to look like Vicente Fox,” he said. “I’m going to buy me a Western-style suit with the front pockets. I have some nice boots too,” he said.

Vargas will change into dress blues for the parade and appear among the floats, marching bands and celebrity grand marshal Fernando Arau, host of Univision’s “Despierta America,” a morning TV show similar to “Good Morning America.”

Shouts of “Viva Mexico!” will ring out during the event, organized by the Downtown Santa Ana Business Assn.

The cheers commemorate Sept. 16, 1810, when Miguel Hidalgo y Costilla, a priest, set off Mexico’s war of independence with a rallying cry--”El Grito”--and a speech still recited annually by Mexico’s president on the eve of independence day.

In Santa Ana, a historical reenactment of “El Grito” will be performed by Mexican consul Miguel Angel Isidro on the festival’s last day.

But the display of cultural pride isn’t just about Mexico. It also commemorates Costa Rica, El Salvador, Guatemala, Honduras and Nicaragua.

“This is the largest street festival in Santa Ana,” said committee chair of the event Teresa Saldivar. “There’s lots of diversity this year. It’s not a Mexican party. It’s a cultural event for all of Orange County not just Santa Ana.”

Organizers expect crowds of about 300,000 this weekend, an increase over last year’s 250,000 attendance.

The event is being called the most ambitious since it started in 1988. More than 100 volunteers participated and corporate sponsors are supporting 15 of the county’s nonprofit groups which will have booths at the fiesta.

More than 50 entertainers will be performing on two stages throughout the festival, which has continued for 12 years except in 1992, when it was canceled during the Los Angeles riots.

Streets downtown will be closed for the parade and other festivities: North Main Street from 1st to 5th streets; 4th Street from Mortimer to Ross streets; Bush Street between 1st and 5th streets; Sycamore between 4th and 5th streets.

Local talent will be showcased, including high school bands, professional musicians and dance groups. Ballet Folklorico Renacimiento has performed at the festival since 1991. Started as a program for youths, the troupe teaches Mexican history and culture.

More than 60 dancers ages 4 to 25 will perform the “jarabe tapatio,” also known as “the hat dance.”

“Most of the children here have never been to Mexico so they’re learning about the past from the dances and music,” said Frank Alaniz, director of Ballet Folklorico Renacimiento.

Said Vargas: “In order to integrate and participate in the American Dream, we sacrifice our language and our culture. I have 22 grandchildren and none speak Spanish. So the fiesta is here to remind us of our roots.”

(BEGIN TEXT OF INFOBOX / INFOGRAPHIC)

Fiesta Time

Fiesta Patrias 2000 is the celebration of independence for Mexico and other Central American countries. About 300,000 parade goers are expected to attend this event in downtown Santa Ana today through Sunday

Fiesta Patrias

HOURS

11 a.m.-10 p.m. today; 10 a.m.-10 p.m. Saturday and Sunday

PARADE

Proceeds south on North Main Street at 10 a.m. Saturday, starting at Washington Avenue and ending at 5th Street.

EL GRITO

Ceremony begins at 7 p.m. Sunday at the main stage on 4th and French streets.

ENTERTAINMENT

The main stage is on 4th and French streets. The second stage is on 4th and Birch. Performances from 5-10 p.m. today; noon-10 p.m. Saturday and Sunday. Performers include: Mexican singer Carmen Jara; Cuban-American singer Franco, known for his hit “Toda La Vida;” rock en espanol groups Lui La Fe, Hijos del Sol, Amor y Pasion and Desvio; cumbia star Carlos Mejia Godoy; Implakable; Energia Nortena and salsa group tion Orquesta La Palabra.