Fort Worth

PHOTOS: 90 years of Fort Worth’s Mexican Independence Day parades, fiestas & pageants

Sept. 16, 1958: Margaret Arteaga is queen of Mexican Independence Day celebration with escort Harrel Narvaez in Fort Worth.
Sept. 16, 1958: Margaret Arteaga is queen of Mexican Independence Day celebration with escort Harrel Narvaez in Fort Worth. Fort Worth Star-Telegram archive/UT Arlington Special Collections

Hispanic Heritage Month will be celebrated across Fort Worth in September and October with parades, concerts, food and even a special rodeo.

Cowtown has a long, rich history of September fiestas in Fort Worth going back generations — rooted in Mexican Independence Day celebrations, el 16 de Septiembre — with pageants, parades through downtown and the Stockyards, colorful dancers and plenty of music. National Hispanic Heritage Month, officially Sept. 15 to Oct. 15, was first observed in 1968.

Check out these historic photos from the 1930s into the 2000s of the celebrations from the Fort Worth Star-Telegram archive.

Sept. 16, 1979: Mexican Independence Day parade in downtown Fort Worth.
Sept. 16, 1979: Mexican Independence Day parade in downtown Fort Worth. Fort Worth Star-Telegram archive/UT Arlington Special Collections
Sept. 16, 2007: Rene Sanchez dances with the Aztec dance group, Cuicani in Xochitl, during Fiesta Fort Worth de Septiembre in downtown, celebrating Mexican Independence Day.
Sept. 16, 2007: Rene Sanchez dances with the Aztec dance group, Cuicani in Xochitl, during Fiesta Fort Worth de Septiembre in downtown, celebrating Mexican Independence Day. JILL JOHNSON STAR-TELEGRAM
Sept. 13, 1986: Tamales were part of the celebration of Mexican Independence Day fiesta at Marine Park in Fort Worth.
Sept. 13, 1986: Tamales were part of the celebration of Mexican Independence Day fiesta at Marine Park in Fort Worth. Mark Gail Fort Worth Star-Telegram archive/UT Arlington Special Collections
Sept. 16, 1958: Margaret Arteaga is queen of Mexican Independence Day celebration with escort Harrel Narvaez in Fort Worth.
Sept. 16, 1958: Margaret Arteaga is queen of Mexican Independence Day celebration with escort Harrel Narvaez in Fort Worth. Fort Worth Star-Telegram archive/UT Arlington Special Collections
Sept. 17, 1990: Frank Diaz takes his children Ceci, left, and Frankie for a ride on the carousel at the 16 de Septiembre Fiesta at Marine Park.
Sept. 17, 1990: Frank Diaz takes his children Ceci, left, and Frankie for a ride on the carousel at the 16 de Septiembre Fiesta at Marine Park. Matt Brunworth Fort Worth Star-Telegram archive/UT Arlington Special Collections
Sept. 14, 1975: Mexican Independence Day parade float in downtown Fort Worth
Sept. 14, 1975: Mexican Independence Day parade float in downtown Fort Worth Fort Worth Star-Telegram archive/UT Arlington Special Collections
Sept. 13, 1986: A woman is seen flipping pupusas on a griddle during the Mexican Independence Day fiesta at Marine Park in Fort Worth.
Sept. 13, 1986: A woman is seen flipping pupusas on a griddle during the Mexican Independence Day fiesta at Marine Park in Fort Worth. Mark Gail Fort Worth Star-Telegram archive/UT Arlington Special Collections
Sept. 13, 1990: John Biers walks Scout the pony down Main Street during the Fiesta-In-The-Park to benefit the Mexican American College fund.
Sept. 13, 1990: John Biers walks Scout the pony down Main Street during the Fiesta-In-The-Park to benefit the Mexican American College fund. Steve Gariepy Fort Worth Star-Telegram archive/UT Arlington Special Collections
Sept. 14, 1974: Mexican Independence Day parade in Fort Worth. The Cerda family, watching the parade, is seen dressed in traditional Mexican attire.
Sept. 14, 1974: Mexican Independence Day parade in Fort Worth. The Cerda family, watching the parade, is seen dressed in traditional Mexican attire. Dale Blackwell Fort Worth Star-Telegram archive/UT Arlington Special Collections
Sept. 12, 2006: Students from Charles Nash Elementary ride on a float as part of the annual 16 de Septiembre parade celebrating Mexican Independence Day through downtown Fort Worth.
Sept. 12, 2006: Students from Charles Nash Elementary ride on a float as part of the annual 16 de Septiembre parade celebrating Mexican Independence Day through downtown Fort Worth. Juan Ramos Star-Telegram
Sept. 18, 1977: A candidate for the Mexican Independence Day fiesta queen is seen sitting on the back of a convertible waving to people in the crowd during the parade.
Sept. 18, 1977: A candidate for the Mexican Independence Day fiesta queen is seen sitting on the back of a convertible waving to people in the crowd during the parade. Fort Worth Star-Telegram archive/UT Arlington Special Collections
Sept. 10, 2016: Art Chavez of Fort Worth, in his lowered Chevy Impala, leads a line classic cars during the 16 de Septiembre Mexican Independence Day Parade in downtown.
Sept. 10, 2016: Art Chavez of Fort Worth, in his lowered Chevy Impala, leads a line classic cars during the 16 de Septiembre Mexican Independence Day Parade in downtown. Ian McVea Special to the Star-Telegram
Sept. 10, 2016: Servers from downtown Fort Worth hotspot Ojos Locos watch the 16 de Septiembre Mexican Independence Day Parade pass by with more than 80 entries. The annual parade event kicks off Hispanic Heritage Month.
Sept. 10, 2016: Servers from downtown Fort Worth hotspot Ojos Locos watch the 16 de Septiembre Mexican Independence Day Parade pass by with more than 80 entries. The annual parade event kicks off Hispanic Heritage Month. Ian McVea Special to the Star-Telegram
Sept. 16, 1979: Louis Pantonja, his daughter Selena, Desiree Diaz and John Ramirez, left to right, were among the spectators at a downtown parade celebrating Mexico Independence Day. Maricella Garcia, a 17-year-old student at Eastern Hills High School, was crowned Miss Mexican Independence.
Sept. 16, 1979: Louis Pantonja, his daughter Selena, Desiree Diaz and John Ramirez, left to right, were among the spectators at a downtown parade celebrating Mexico Independence Day. Maricella Garcia, a 17-year-old student at Eastern Hills High School, was crowned Miss Mexican Independence. Rodger Mallison Fort Worth Star-Telegram archive/UT Arlington Special Collections
Sept. 11, 1999: Juan Jose Oropeza, 14, of Fort Worth performs rope tricks during the Mexican Independance Day Parade in downtown Fort Worth.
Sept. 11, 1999: Juan Jose Oropeza, 14, of Fort Worth performs rope tricks during the Mexican Independance Day Parade in downtown Fort Worth. Carolyn Bauman STAR-TELEGRAM
Sept. 16, 1979: “Fiestas are for everyone, but the young seem to appreciate them more than the grownups. This particular fiesta was the celebration commemorating Mexican Independence, which wound up a three-day event in Fort Worth.”
Sept. 16, 1979: “Fiestas are for everyone, but the young seem to appreciate them more than the grownups. This particular fiesta was the celebration commemorating Mexican Independence, which wound up a three-day event in Fort Worth.” Fort Worth Star-Telegram archive/UT Arlington Special Collections
Sept. 16, 1998: Norma Atkinson, first-grade teacher at Berry Elementary School in Arlington, ties a Mexican hat on the head of Felix Resendiz, 6, before the class goes to assembly. The school celebrated Mexican Independence Day with costumes and dances.
Sept. 16, 1998: Norma Atkinson, first-grade teacher at Berry Elementary School in Arlington, ties a Mexican hat on the head of Felix Resendiz, 6, before the class goes to assembly. The school celebrated Mexican Independence Day with costumes and dances. Willis Knight
Sept. 13, 1939: Celebrating 129th anniversary of Mexican Independence, from left, Amparo Rivera, Lola Aguilar, Pauline Papajohn. Seated are Gloria Martinez, Wanda Rangel, Modesta Guajardo.
Sept. 13, 1939: Celebrating 129th anniversary of Mexican Independence, from left, Amparo Rivera, Lola Aguilar, Pauline Papajohn. Seated are Gloria Martinez, Wanda Rangel, Modesta Guajardo. Fort Worth Star-Telegram archive/UT Arlington Special Collections
Sept. 17, 1979: Kathy Rioas, 16, was crowned Miss Diez y Seis de Septiembre. She is the daughter of Paul and Connie Riojas.
Sept. 17, 1979: Kathy Rioas, 16, was crowned Miss Diez y Seis de Septiembre. She is the daughter of Paul and Connie Riojas. Fort Worth Star-Telegram archive/UT Arlington Special Collections
Sept. 10, 1989: Stephanie Longoria takes a break from performing with the Ballet Follorico to check out her niece, Amber Weaver, 3, at the main stage in the 11th annual Fiesta in the Park. The fiesta was held downtown to benefit the Fort Worth Mexican American College Education Fund. Arts and crafts were part of the celebration.
Sept. 10, 1989: Stephanie Longoria takes a break from performing with the Ballet Follorico to check out her niece, Amber Weaver, 3, at the main stage in the 11th annual Fiesta in the Park. The fiesta was held downtown to benefit the Fort Worth Mexican American College Education Fund. Arts and crafts were part of the celebration. Beatrice Terrazas Fort Worth Star-Telegram archive/UT Arlington Special Collections
Sept. 13, 1986: A group of women are seen preparing food during the Mexican Independence Day fiesta at Marine Park in Fort Worth.
Sept. 13, 1986: A group of women are seen preparing food during the Mexican Independence Day fiesta at Marine Park in Fort Worth. Mark Gail Fort Worth Star-Telegram archive/UT Arlington Special Collections
Sept. 15, 1946: “The Mexican Independence Day fiesta celebration is being held Sunday night in Fort Worth, Texas. Miss Raquel Rios is the reigning queen of the fiesta. She is shown sitting on her throne during the party. The Mexican and American flags are attached to her chair.
Sept. 15, 1946: “The Mexican Independence Day fiesta celebration is being held Sunday night in Fort Worth, Texas. Miss Raquel Rios is the reigning queen of the fiesta. She is shown sitting on her throne during the party. The Mexican and American flags are attached to her chair. Fort Worth Star-Telegram archive/UT Arlington Special Collections
Sept. 16, 1990: The Mariachi Jalisco of Dallas performs at Fort Worth’s Marine Park for the Mexican Independence Celebration.
Sept. 16, 1990: The Mariachi Jalisco of Dallas performs at Fort Worth’s Marine Park for the Mexican Independence Celebration. Mark Gail Fort Worth Star-Telegram archive/UT Arlington Special Collections
Sept. 7, 1990: People begin to gather at the 12th annual Fiesta in the Park on Fort Worth’s Main Street between Seventh and Eighth streets.
Sept. 7, 1990: People begin to gather at the 12th annual Fiesta in the Park on Fort Worth’s Main Street between Seventh and Eighth streets. Daniel Starling Fort Worth Star-Telegram archive/UT Arlington Special Collections
Sept. 1, 1966: Theresa Salinas, 1, strikes a guitar-playing pose as Johnny Gutierrez, 11, and Gloria Flores, 10, wait for the pulsating rhythms of the Mexican Hat Dance. The three will entertain at the Mexican Independence Day Fiesta at Lake Worth Casino. A “Spread the Word” party was staged at Immaculate Heart of Mary Catholic Church.
Sept. 1, 1966: Theresa Salinas, 1, strikes a guitar-playing pose as Johnny Gutierrez, 11, and Gloria Flores, 10, wait for the pulsating rhythms of the Mexican Hat Dance. The three will entertain at the Mexican Independence Day Fiesta at Lake Worth Casino. A “Spread the Word” party was staged at Immaculate Heart of Mary Catholic Church. Fort Worth Star-Telegram archive/UT Arlington Special Collections
Sept. 17, 1977: A group of young girls perform traditional Mexican dance as part of the Mexican Independence Day celebration at Seminary South Mall in Fort Worth.
Sept. 17, 1977: A group of young girls perform traditional Mexican dance as part of the Mexican Independence Day celebration at Seminary South Mall in Fort Worth. David Breslauer Fort Worth Star-Telegram archive/UT Arlington Special Collections
Sept. 16, 1990: Ramiro Mojeda of Los Girgos Del Norte plays accordion at Fort Worth’s Marine Park for the Mexican Independence Celebration.
Sept. 16, 1990: Ramiro Mojeda of Los Girgos Del Norte plays accordion at Fort Worth’s Marine Park for the Mexican Independence Celebration. Mark Gail Fort Worth Star-Telegram archive/UT Arlington Special Collections
Sept. 14, 1974: Mexican Independence Day parade in Fort Worth
Sept. 14, 1974: Mexican Independence Day parade in Fort Worth Dale Blackwell Fort Worth Star-Telegram archive/UT Arlington Special Collections
Sept. 7, 1990: Erin Garcia, 8, munches on an ear of corn during the Mexican Independence Day festivities during the 12th annual Fiesta-In-The-Park in Fort Worth.
Sept. 7, 1990: Erin Garcia, 8, munches on an ear of corn during the Mexican Independence Day festivities during the 12th annual Fiesta-In-The-Park in Fort Worth. Daniel Starling Fort Worth Star-Telegram archive/UT Arlington Special Collections
Sept. 15, 1979: Burnett Park in downtown Fort Worth is the scene of traditional Mexican “folklorico” dancing as part of activities celebrating Mexican Independence Day. The park was reminiscent of a Mexican Plaza with entertainment, food and drinks.
Sept. 15, 1979: Burnett Park in downtown Fort Worth is the scene of traditional Mexican “folklorico” dancing as part of activities celebrating Mexican Independence Day. The park was reminiscent of a Mexican Plaza with entertainment, food and drinks. Tony Record Fort Worth Star-Telegram archive/UT Arlington Special Collections
Nov. 11, 2001: The Viva Mexico Festival, a two city Mexican Independence Day event, was canceled after the 9/11 attack but returns two months later to honor Hispanic Veterans and Medal of Honor recipients. Sculptor Efrain Gutierrez of Fort Worth poses with a sculpture he calls ‘unbroken spirit’ after the events of 9/11.
Nov. 11, 2001: The Viva Mexico Festival, a two city Mexican Independence Day event, was canceled after the 9/11 attack but returns two months later to honor Hispanic Veterans and Medal of Honor recipients. Sculptor Efrain Gutierrez of Fort Worth poses with a sculpture he calls ‘unbroken spirit’ after the events of 9/11. Joyce Marshall Fort Worth Star-Telegram
Sept. 14, 1974: Michael Cerda, 4, son of Mr. and Mrs. Marino Cerda of 2302 Jennings, is seen holding a guitar and looking up towards the sky as the threat of rain loomed over the Mexican Independence Day parade in Fort Worth.
Sept. 14, 1974: Michael Cerda, 4, son of Mr. and Mrs. Marino Cerda of 2302 Jennings, is seen holding a guitar and looking up towards the sky as the threat of rain loomed over the Mexican Independence Day parade in Fort Worth. Dale Blackwell Fort Worth Star-Telegram archive/UT Arlington Special Collections
Sept. 15, 2010: Passing time before performing with the Bellet Folcorica Azteca are Genesis Najar, left, Isabela Maschino and Natalie Wright at a celebration of Diez Y Seis de Septiembre at La Gran Plaza.
Sept. 15, 2010: Passing time before performing with the Bellet Folcorica Azteca are Genesis Najar, left, Isabela Maschino and Natalie Wright at a celebration of Diez Y Seis de Septiembre at La Gran Plaza. Ron T. Ennis Star-Telegram
Sept. 12, 1976: Mexican Independence Day parade queen Jenny Galvan, center, on her float in Fort Worth.
Sept. 12, 1976: Mexican Independence Day parade queen Jenny Galvan, center, on her float in Fort Worth. Fort Worth Star-Telegram archive/UT Arlington Special Collections
Sept. 14, 1974: A woman participating in the Mexican Independence Day parade in Fort Worth.
Sept. 14, 1974: A woman participating in the Mexican Independence Day parade in Fort Worth. Dale Blackwell Fort Worth Star-Telegram archive/UT Arlington Special Collections
Sept. 17, 1990: Pamela Guerra performs with Ballet Folklorico from St. Vincent Catholic Church in Abilene for the crowd at the Mexican Independence Day celebration at Marine Park in Fort Worth
Sept. 17, 1990: Pamela Guerra performs with Ballet Folklorico from St. Vincent Catholic Church in Abilene for the crowd at the Mexican Independence Day celebration at Marine Park in Fort Worth Matt Brunworth Fort Worth Star-Telegram archive/UT Arlington Special Collections
Sept. 13, 2014: Samantha Alfaro, middle, and Genesis Ortiz are members of Trimble Tech’s Spanish Club. They march with hundreds of other participants through the streets of downtown Fort Worth during the annual Mexican Independence Day Parade.
Sept. 13, 2014: Samantha Alfaro, middle, and Genesis Ortiz are members of Trimble Tech’s Spanish Club. They march with hundreds of other participants through the streets of downtown Fort Worth during the annual Mexican Independence Day Parade. Juan Guajar Special to the Fort Worth Star-Telegram
Sept. 10, 2005: Daniel Marquez, left, and Ivan Oropeza of Danza Cultural Fort Worth wave from a truck at the Mexican Independence Day parade in downtown Fort Worth.
Sept. 10, 2005: Daniel Marquez, left, and Ivan Oropeza of Danza Cultural Fort Worth wave from a truck at the Mexican Independence Day parade in downtown Fort Worth. RICHARD W. RODRIGUEZ SPECIAL to the Star-Telegram
Sept. 13, 1990: Bob Pena, from the Hallmark neighborhood, cooks fajitas for the Mexican Independence Day festival’s crowd.
Sept. 13, 1990: Bob Pena, from the Hallmark neighborhood, cooks fajitas for the Mexican Independence Day festival’s crowd. Steve Gariepy Fort Worth Star-Telegram archive/UT Arlington Special Collections
Sept. 12, 1998: Children from Diamond Hill Elementary seek shelter from the rain while riding on the Ballet Folklorico float during the El Dieciseis de Septiembre parade in downtown Fort Worth. The parade was sponsored by the Mexican Independence Day Parade Committee.
Sept. 12, 1998: Children from Diamond Hill Elementary seek shelter from the rain while riding on the Ballet Folklorico float during the El Dieciseis de Septiembre parade in downtown Fort Worth. The parade was sponsored by the Mexican Independence Day Parade Committee. Spencer D. Cook SPECIAL TO THE STAR-TELEGRAM
Sept. 12, 1998: In spite of the rain, Illana Olalde, 2, of Fort Worth, watches the El Dieciseis de Septiembre parade in downtown Fort Worth, sponsored by the Mexican Independence Day Parade Committee.
Sept. 12, 1998: In spite of the rain, Illana Olalde, 2, of Fort Worth, watches the El Dieciseis de Septiembre parade in downtown Fort Worth, sponsored by the Mexican Independence Day Parade Committee. Spencer D. Cook SPECIAL TO THE STAR-TELEGRAM

This story was originally published August 29, 2023 at 12:02 PM.

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Matt Leclercq
Fort Worth Star-Telegram
Matt Leclercq was senior managing editor at the Fort Worth Star-Telegram from 2021 to 2026. He is now editor of The Charlotte Observer and can be reached at mleclercq@charlotteobserver.com. 
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