Fiesta Mexicana shares culture, strengthens community

Ballet Folklorico de Topeka begin the opening dance of their first performance for Fiesta Mexicana on July 12. Ballet Folklorico de Topeka is a local dance company performing year-round.

Fiesta Mexicana celebrates Mexican culture from July 11 to 15 in the neighborhood around Our Lady of Guadalupe Church.

Our Lady of Guadalupe Parish, with the help of community volunteers, organizes the festival every year to benefit Holy Family School, a Roman Catholic elementary school. The first Fiesta Mexicana occurred in 1933 and what was once a single day event on church grounds has grown into week-long festival with numerous sponsors, stretching into the surrounding neighborhood.

Fiesta Mexicana features live entertainment on two different stages throughout the week, including folk dancers and mariachis, among other performers. Fiesta Mexicana also contracts Heart of America to operate a carnival for the festival.