The purpose of the celebration is to:

• Empower and promote Latino business in the Twin Cities
  
• Provide financial assistance for higher education to the Latino volunteers who help organize the celebration
• Educate the community about Mexican history
• Provide financial support to the Urban Ventures-Siempre Padres programm

Summary of the celebration:

Local groups will perform music and cultural dances throughout the day on two stages and a variety of other activities such as petting zoo, inflatable games, a car show and a sports area will be available. There will also be an information area where community members can learn about safety, health and education.

Festivities will conclude at 7:00 PM. Mexican Independence Day will also have a parade that begins at 1:00 p.m. that travels down east Lake Street from Bloomington Avenue to Third Avenue South. Nearly 50 organizations will be represented in the parade through floats, cars and other displays. After the parade, event-goers can visit the many booths featuring sponsoring organizations, local Latino businesses, food vendors, schools, churches and nonprofit organizations serving the Latino community. Booths will line East Lake Street from Portland Avenue to Second Avenue South