What began as a family affair in 1964 to thank farmworkers at the end of harvest season has since blossomed into a days-long festival.
WOODBURN, Ore. — This weekend, the city of Woodburn proudly hosts the 61st annual Fiesta Mexicana, touted as a vibrant celebration of cultural heritage and tradition at Legion Park.
What began as a family affair in 1964 to thank farmworkers at the end of harvest season has since blossomed into a days-long festival, an annual tradition drawing thousands.
“This event is like a county carnival inside the city of Woodburn. We have a parade. All the components: 70-plus vendors, lots of food, lots of fun,” said Jesse Cuomo, the city’s community services director.
“It’s unlike any other community,” said Cuomo about Woodburn. “Everyone really supports each other no matter what that is. And it’s a beautiful place to be a part of.”
Friday evening, light rain, and overcast skies didn’t stop the soccer tournaments, the rides or the music.
However, there was some concern about attendance. Elida Sifuentez told KGW she was grateful to see a good turnout for the first day, given the weight of recent threats to this community.
“We have a high Hispanic population, even myself being born here in the United States, I thought to myself, Do I have to have my passport, you know?” she said, “Because ICE was coming and stopping people. I think it made everybody uneasy.”
But in times of unease, she said gatherings like these can be healing.
“You can come to this event, you celebrate the music, the food, and you forget. You forget about what’s going on around the world just for this one hour or two hours,” said Sifuentez. “You’re happy and you celebrate; you celebrate your culture.”
She said that invitation is extended to all:
“You’re very welcome to this park and celebrate with us. Celebrate life. Celebrate the Hispanic culture.”
City officials said in the past, the event has drawn nearly 27,000 people from the region to experience 60-plus vendors offering a rich tapestry of global flavors and artisan goods, live music, traditional and popular dance performances, lucha libre wrestling, carnival, soccer, and pickleball tournaments and family-friendly activities.
Fiesta Mexicana runs from noon to 11 p.m. on Saturday, August 16, and 10 a.m. to 10 p.m. on Sunday, August 17.