Mayor Daley Proclaims 2010 the Year of Mexico in Chicago

Mayor’s Press Office

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Mayor Richard M. Daley joins Manuel Rodriguez Arriaga, Mexican Consul General; Martin Castro, National Museum of Mexican Art Board Chair ; Deborah Rutter, Chicago Symphony Orchestra President and James Cuno, Art Institute of Chicago President during a reception at the Chicago Cultural Center, 78 E. Washington to kick off the 2010 Year of Mexico in Chicago celebrations.

“In Chicago, we celebrate the diversity of our neighborhoods and respect the culture and rich traditions of all of our residents,” said Mayor Daley. “The success of Mexicans in Chicago is the result of years of hard work, strong family values and dedication to community.”

At the reception Mayor Daley proclaimed 2010 to be the Year of Mexico in Chicago.

This year Mexico celebrates the Bicentennial of its independence and the Centennial of the Mexican Revolution–important turning points in Mexican history.

“The Mexico 2010 commemorations program gathers more than 70 events presented by 50 institutions distinguished by their excellence, open to all and devoted to the best of culture and intellectual thought,” said Manuel Rodriguez Arriaga, Consul General of Mexico. “They recognize the community of Mexican origin in this part of the United States, while acknowledging Mexico as a neighbor, a friend, a strategic partner and a nation with an extraordinary culture that encompasses a rich heritage and evolving creativity.”

The Mayor’s Office of Special Events, the Department of Cultural Affairs, Millennium Park and Chicago Sister Cities International along with many of Chicago’s premier cultural and academic institutions will commemorate these important anniversaries with cultural, academic and civic events and programs, giving Chicagoans the opportunity to experience and learn more about the culture, traditions and history of Mexico.

The second largest concentration of Mexicans in the United States is found in Chicago.

Chicago and Mexico City have shared a valuable sister city relationship since 1991 and bilateral relations between Chicago and Mexico have continued to grow over the years.

Mayor Daley said, “Lets continue to work together to make Chicago a place of prosperity and opportunity for the Mexican community and all Chicagoans. I celebrate your success as a community and your dedication to family, work and culture.”

Some of the current highlights (subject to change) for the 2010 Year of Mexico with City of Chicago participation include the following:

Mayor’s Office of Special Events

* September 11: Mexican Civic Society of Illinois Parade at Columbus Drive

* September 12: Little Village Chamber of Commerce Parade at 26th Street

* September 17-18: Viva! Latin Music Festival to showcase Mexican artists

Millennium Park

* June 20: Chicago Youth Symphony Orchestra–Silvestre Revuelta’s Las Noches de los Mayas and Ricardo Lorenz’s Pataruco: Concierto for Maracas

* June 15/July 13/August 10: Mexican Dance Ensemble at the Family Fun Festival

* June 14-20: Mexico: Festival of Toys -The Chicago Children’s Museum at the Family Fun Festival

* June 24: Music without Borders–Doc Severinsen and El Ritmo de la Vida Ensemble with Chicago’s own, Sones de Mexico Ensemble

* July 24: Things with Wings: Bees, Butterflies and Birds in the Lurie Garden; featuring crafts inspired by the Mexican art of “Papel Amate,” the art of painting birds or winged creatures on recycled paper made from the bark of trees

* September 15: El Grito de Independencia (Mexican Independence Day) Celebration

Department of Cultural Affairs

* Culinary

** May 1: World Kitchen Class, in cooperation with Chicago Sister Cities International’s Mexico City Committee, including recipes and historical information relating to the significant anniversaries

* Visual Arts

** April 10–July 3: Pride of Paper/Orgullo en Papel: Arte Papel Oaxaca & Kiff Slemmons at Chicago Cultural Center

** November: Preview of Exhibition of Mexican artist Yvonne Domenge (Maquettes) and Lecture at Chicago Cultural Center

* Film

** May 5: International Summer Screening Program–Opening film from Mexico Bandits, directed by Luis Estrada, at Chicago Cultural Center

* Music

** September 24-30: World Music Festival

Chicago Sister Cities International

* May 1: World Kitchen Class, including recipes and historical information relating to the significant anniversaries

* August 18: Joffrey Ballet tribute to the Mexico City Committee

“I encourage all Chicagoans to take part in the numerous cultural, civic and academic events planned for this year,” said Mayor Daley.

For more information on the numerous events throughout the city please visit, www.cityofchicago.org and www.mexico2010inchicago.com