Community celebrates Mexican Independence Day

People gathered on 15th Avenue in East Moline for a parade to celebrate Mexican Independence Day.

Music and other festivities filled the street, along with traditional food and a performance by Quad Cities Ballet Folklorico.

The event was hosted by the League of United Latin American Citizens in Moline. Mariela Trevino is the Vice President of LULAC Moline #5285. She said there's a large Hispanic community here in the Quad Cities.

"Our culture, our heritage, so they can learn our traditions. We're going to have performances from the Ballet Folklorico, so they can see, you know, our culture," said Trevino.

Many who attended said it was a way to connect with their culture.

"We were always musically inclined with Mexican music and dancing and playing instruments, so this is my culture and I love it and that's why I'm here. Anything with my culture, I always like being involved," said Geri Purdy.

A "Fiesta" was held following the parade at the Triumph Bank parking lot.