HOUSTON – Hundreds gathered to celebrate the annual Fiestas Patrias parade in downtown Houston.
The parade kicked off at 10 a.m. Saturday with hundreds of people lining the streets to catch a glimpse of the colorful event.
Recommended Videos
Event organizers said Fiestas Patrias celebrates the exciting sights and sounds of the Hispanic culture and heritage. Fiestas Patrias commemorates eight countries that celebrate their independence in September: Belize, Chile, Costa Rica, El Salvador, Guatemala, Honduras, Mexico and Nicaragua.
Parade goers at Saturday's event were treated to dancing, purebred Aztec horses, roper twirling charros, folkloric dancers and singers and other colorful attractions, organizers said.
Judge Armando Rodriguez with Fiestas Patrias said the event is not just celebrating the Hispanic culture, but also Houston's rich diversity.
"We have always said that Fiestas Patrias belongs to the community. We take very seriously the pride that the community has demonstrated for these events," Rodriguez said.