Why Are So Many Mexican Flags Flying Around Illinois and Wisconsin?
Over the past few days, you may have noticed more and more Mexican flags flying and being displayed on car hoods around town.
Tamale Fest 815 is coming up this weekend (Saturday, September 7) so you will likely see many large Mexican flags proudly being flown from pickups near the event on State Street, but that's not the main reason they've been more prominent.
Mexican Flag Was 'Confirmed' in 1984
The official flag of Mexico has the tricolor green, white, and red, with the national coat of arms in the center that was "approved by presidential decree in 1916 by Venustiano Carranza, where the eagle was changed from a front-facing to a side-facing position," according to Wikipedia.
Expect to See More Flags Flying This Upcoming Weekend
As we get closer to this Saturday, September 16, there will likely be more flags displaying Mexican pride because it's Mexican Independence Day with "colorful parades, mariachi concerts, and food, food, and more Sabrosa food."
One of the most popular events connected to Mexican Independence Day is when the President of Mexico rings the 200-year-old bell Father Hidalgo used in 1810 and recites the Grito de Dolores speech in front of 500,000 people. This event is broadcast live to millions via Mexican TV and radio on the evening of September 15.
National Spanish Heritage Month is also held from September 15 to October 15 which celebrates "the histories, cultures and contributions of American citizens whose ancestors came from Spain, Mexico, the Caribbean and Central and South America."
One of the trendy new ways to show pride in your heritage is with the Mexico Flag car hood cover, or with the mini flag attached to your side windows.
Even spotted Honduras flags on a vehicle showing their home country's pride while driving toward Alpine Road in Rockford.
LOOK: 25 must-visit hidden gems from across the US
Gallery Credit: Abby Monteil
LOOK: See how much gasoline cost the year you started driving
Gallery Credit: Sophia Crisafulli