By Violeta Sambartolome and Regina Milan Peralta
Amerika Street filled with color, music and food for a new edition of “La Calle Mexicana,” the annual street event that celebrates Mexico’s Independence Day in Prague on Saturday, September 12.
The district of Vinohrady closed the street from 10:30 am to 21:30 p.m. to fill it with colorful banners, concerts and what seemed to be a never-ending flow of food stands.Much of the food offered was traditional Mexican and Latin American cuisine but international street foods were also present, all to make a street in Prague the meeting point to celebrate community and culture.
“The food was delicious, and the variety in music kept it interesting. One of my favorite free events in Prague,”said Maisie Groutt, 22, a psychology student from the United States.
The annual event started in 2011 as part of the Zažít Americkou Jinak neighbourhood initiative, marking its 15th anniversary this year. The block party has become a popular event in Prague; attendance seems to be growing fast with every annual edition.
Different activities for children were also available, such as a mask-making workshop and breaking piñatas, among other activities for people of all ages to join.
The event also included various performances throughout the five stages, including live music from mariachi group El Mariachi Azteca de Praga to electronic music DJ sets from Guacamole Sound System.
At four, the Mexican Independence Day ceremony for “El Grito” (The Cry of Dolores) was reenacted by Mexican Ambassador Ana Berenice Diaz Ceballos Parada, commemorating the call to arms that sparked Mexico’s War of Independence. Each year, the Mexican president and worldwide official representatives reenact it, and Prague was no exception.
The streets were filled with smoke from carnitas and the smell of beer and tequila.
“I was here last year and both years have been very fun so far; I really enjoyed this one. The music was really good, the food was amazing. It made me feel like I was back home again, even for a little bit,” said Valeria Herrera, a 25-year-old AAU master’s student from Mexico living in Prague.
By the time the event was over, Americka Street proved to be one of the city’s most reliable stages of cultural sharing. For one day, Mexico came to Prague, and with open arms, Prague welcomed it.
“We were happy once again to have such a big attendance and great atmosphere, this year the weather definitely was on our side and it seemed like all elements comnected in order to make it a perfect event,”said Omri Goz, The organizer of La calle Mexicana, who coincidentally is an AAU alumni.
A true testament to how enriching events of this kind can be for the community, and drawing crowds from all over the world, the event is set to return next year for its 16th edition. To stay up to date with Latin American events at school and in Prague, make sure to follow @aauunionlatina on Instagram.
