Lubbock’s annual Fiestas Patrias Parade happening September 14

LUBBOCK, Texas — Fiestas del Llano, Inc. will be holding its annual parade on Saturday, September 14 at 10:00 a.m.

The organization is inviting everyone to celebrate Mexican independence and Hispanic Heritage Month at the parade. The entire community is encouraged to join the parade. All businesses, non-profit organizations, schools, clubs, and athletic teams can participate. There is no entry fee. For more information and Parade Entry form click here.

The Parade Theme is Creadores de Historia (Creators of History). Fiestas del Llano Board Members believe that all individuals strive to be creators of their own history. The soldiers who fought for Mexican Independence wanted something different for their lives so they created a history of freedom for all those who would come after them.

This year’s celebration will feature four special honorees to lead the parade honoring this year’s theme, “Creators of History.”

• Aaliyah Chavez, Fiestas del Llano is honored to celebrate Aaliyah’s senior year. She has had incredible achievements on the basketball court and is ranked as ESPNW’s No. 1 women’s basketball recruit in the Class of 2025 and holds the Monterey HS All-Time Scoring Record among her many accolades.

• Eliseo Jimenez, a 17-year-old senior from Lubbock High School has shown remarkable dedication to advocating for social security reform. Fiestas del Llano celebrates his extraordinary 1,600-mile walking journey from Lubbock, Texas to Capitol Hill.

• Joy & Cheryl Sheppard, Joy is also known as “The Navajo Ninja,” is a 17-year-old MMA fighter who won her third IMMAF Youth World MMA Championship in August 2024. Cheryl Sheppard is Joy’s mother and manager. Together, they are inspirational public speakers on the power of positivity.

• St. Joseph Church Fiestas del Llano is honored to celebrate the first Catholic Church in Lubbock as they celebrate their Centennial.

Prizes will be awarded for the best float that signifies the Parade theme. Prize awards for 1st place will be $100, 2nd place $75, and 3rd place $50.

The parade will start at the First Baptist Church south parking lot, beginning 10:00 a.m. Then the parade will proceed east from First Baptist Church on Broadway to Ave M turning north toward Mahon Library & Civic Center parking lot. DJ Ricky Ri, the official DJ of TTU, will provide music entertainment along the way!

Fiesta Patrias Celebrations will begin at 11:00 a.m. through 8:00 p.m. on Saturday, September 14, at Buddy Holly Park on N. University & Cesar Chavez Drive in the Gazebo area. Entertainment will consist of all local bands, including traditional Mariachi groups and Folklorico dancers. A wide variety of Food Trucks and vendors will be on site. Bring your chair and enjoy a free event full of culture.

The Grito de Dolores ceremony will occur on Saturday, September 14, at 6:00 p.m. It is a reenactment of Father Hidalgo’s declaration of Independence from Spain. Dr. Miguel Levario will recite the Grito de Dolores.

Barbacoa Contest: Who will win the best-tasting Barbacoa? Information on how to enter can find information on our Facebook page. Enjoy entertainment and food from various vendors.

Any interested food and non-food vendors for the event reach out to Zenaida Aguero-Reyes at 806-252-2828.

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