SALSA, a local non-profit organization, founded in 2019, will join with thousands of local community-based organizations in hundreds of cities and communities throughout the nation to observe and celebrate Mexican Independence. Out of a population of 62 million Hispanics in the United States, over 40 million are of Mexican ancestry.

The observance in Brownwood will be Saturday, September 17, 2022, from 5 pm-11 pm at the Depot Civic and Cultural Center.

The independence of seven countries, including Mexico, is the bedrock of National Hispanic Heritage Month, which was proposed by the late Illinois Senator Paul Simon and signed into law by the late President Ronald R. Reagan in 1988.

Hispanic Heritage Month begins on September 15 because it commemorates the beginning of the Mexican War of Independence from Spain. The countries of Costa Rica, El Salvador, Guatemala, Honduras, and Nicaragua also declared their independence from Spain of that date. Chile declared its independence on September 18. All seven countries gained their independence between 1810 and 1825, ending 300 years of colonial rule which had included limited free trade, political participation, and slavery.

The celebration in Brownwood will include music provided by DJ Tigre, food vendors, arts and crafts vendors, games for children and adults, pinatas for the kids, and a 50-50 raffle. Guests will also be invited to play Loteria, the uniquely Mexican version of Bingo. Cash and product prizes will be awarded. SALSA will also host a contest modeled by Selena, the legendary entertainer who revived Tejano music.

Admission is free. The public is invited to attend.