Mexican Independence Day celebration held in Balboa Park

SAN DIEGO (FOX 5/KUSI) -- Hundreds gathered at Balboa Park this weekend to celebrate Mexican Independence Day, showcasing the vibrant culture through music, dance and traditional performances.

The event featured mariachi music, folklórico dancing and the traditional art of trick roping, known as "floreo de soga,' performed by young talents like 16-year-old Emmanuel Aquino.

"I'm proud that I can keep Mexico alive," said Aquino, a performer skilled in the art of "floreo de soga."

Valeria Vega, a spokesperson for the event, highlighted the significance of the celebration, stating, "Our heroes did so much for us to be called Mexicans only and not be conquered by another country, so it's freedom, it's identity, it's patriotism, it's just being proud of all of the history."

Cookie Fields, who attended the event, emphasized the importance of cultural appreciation, saying, "The city needs to know we are all here as one. We get together, we celebrate, we love each other and we celebrate each other's culture."

Mexican Independence Day marks the country's break from Spanish rule more than 200 years ago, a pivotal moment celebrated by Mexicans on both sides of the border.

The celebration at Balboa Park not only focused on music and performances but also included delicious food and the overall spirit of Mexico.

The event at Balboa Park served as a reminder of the rich history and cultural pride that continues to be celebrated by every generation.

KUSI's Tony Shin contributed to this report.

All facts in this report were gathered by journalists employed by KSWB. Artificial intelligence tools were used to reformat from a broadcast script into a news article for our website. This report was edited and fact-checked by KSWB staff before being published.