Bryan-College Station Fiestas Patrias celebrates Mexican culture in Downtown Bryan

BRYAN, Texas (KBTX) - Bryan-College Station Fiestas Patrias came to Downtown Bryan to celebrate Mexican culture.

BCS Fiestas Patrias debuted in Downtown Bryan to honor culture, community, and independence. During the morning, hundreds of people packed the sidewalks to watch this year’s parade.

Ashley Soto, a parade participant, said the event allows her to represent her culture.

“It means a lot to me because I get to represent my culture and just have fun with it. I have amazing friends in the group as well,” Soto said.

When the parade wrapped up, the festival continued on the main streets, which were packed with food trucks, local vendors and live music.

Fiestas Patrias Board Member Raul Yanez said this year’s focus was on expanding the celebration across borders.

“It’s a Mexican celebration of our independence, but we wanted to add all other cultures, all Latin American countries, all Spanish-speaking in North and South American countries,” Yanez explained.

Malory Espitia, an attendee, said the festival brings neighbors together.

“I just love that everybody can honestly really just come hopefully and enjoy what’s going on around, you know, the world with other things, you know. Hopefully everybody can feel comfortable enough to come out still and enjoy, and it looks like they are,” Espitia said.

Sonny Serna came to the festival and said it carries a message passed down to the next generation.

“There are a lot of Hispanic people that don’t want to speak Spanish because they’re embarrassed. But there isn’t anything to be embarrassed about. You ought to be proud to be a Hispanic,” Serna emphasized.

Fiestas Patrias plans to return to Downtown Bryan next year.