PHOENIX — Arizona's Hispanic heritage shined on Sunday as celebrations for Mexico's Independence Day took place all throughout Phoenix.
It was more than 200 years ago that Mexico's Miguel Hidalgo y Costilla declared independence from Spain through El Grito de Independencia or Independence Cry.
Phoenix residents were able to continue the longstanding celebration downtown off 3rd and Adams streets.
The event included food vendors, mariachi, ballet folklorico along with city resource information.
Betty Guardado, councilwoman for District 5 in Phoenix, said it was the 5th year for the event and described the day as one of pride.
"We are about 45% Latinos and in the city of Phoenix, and we want to make sure that people feel that they're included, that people feel that we're celebrating their culture," Guardado, said.
Guardado said the event was also helpful in aiding "micro businesses" and artists, as well as helping register people to vote.
"Just because these elections are incredibly crucial in November," Guardado said.
The second event took place at the state capitol. The Mexican consul in Phoenix, Gerardo Valenzuela, said it was the third year in a row at the venue.
"Being here is very representative for the Mexican people," Valenzuela said. It means a change in Arizona politics for me."
Valenzuela said that this day celebrated the contributions from Mexican nationals and those with Mexican heritage in the state .
"Mexican and Mexican Americans represent more than 30 percent of the population," Valenzuela said.
"There are several families that have been here since this was part of Spain, part of Mexico and they're still here, so they belong to this land and we are very proud of them."
>> Download the 12News app for the latest local breaking news straight to your phone.
12News on YouTube
Catch up on the latest news and stories on our 12News YouTube playlist here.