OKLAHOMA CITY, Okla. (September 19, 2023) –

Oklahoma City Community College hosted more than 10,000 Fiestas Patrias 2023 attendees on campus Sunday, Sept. 17.

Consul General of Mexico in Oklahoma City Edurne Nerea Pineda Ayerbe presided over the official ceremony of “El Grito,” one of the many features of the free community event, held at OCCC for the second consecutive year.

OCCC President Dr. Mautra Staley Jones addressed the crowd in Spanish. “We are happy to see so many people here; our community is the pillar that supports this college,” she said. “I want to emphasize that at OCCC, we are committed to continuing cultural events like this one. We believe they are crucial in strengthening our community.”

Fiestas Patrias began at 2 p.m. with a “Cabalgata” (cavalcade), followed by presentations of dances, culture and history from several other Latin-American countries that celebrate their Fiestas Patrias or Independence during Hispanic Heritage Month.

Remarks from Consul Edurne Pineda during Fiestas Patrias:
Thank you, Nancy. Dear Mexican community in Oklahoma, on behalf of the Consulate of Mexico and those of us who work there, we truly have a team that I’m proud of. I am deeply honored to lead this magnificent team of officials from Mexico and 30 local employees. Altogether, we are 36. I am pleased to report that the consulate is now fully operational, offering all consular services. This has been a historic achievement, truly thanks to the commitment of President Andrés Manuel López Obrador to the migrant community.  And also, thanks to the support, the perseverance, the subtle but firm demand of the community for a consulate that would provide these services.
Echoing the voices of such significant leaders as Mrs. Nancy Galván, for instance, and other vital figures in Oklahoma’s political, economic, and social life, like Senator Michael Brooks Jiménez, as well as Governor Stitt, Mayor Holt, and Mayor Bynum. All these prominent figures from Oklahoma supported the establishment of a consulate because they understand the importance of your community and the contributions all of you make to Oklahoma’s life. They know that the consulate and the services we offer are positive and contribute to improving your lives and development. We are at your service and are very excited that this is the first year in which we celebrate this holiday with you. Thanks to our hosts at OCCC. Thank you to President Jones of OCCC for hosting this wonderful event, and thank you to Robert Ruiz for organizing this wonderful event. Let’s celebrate our identity. Thank you. Let’s celebrate our identity. Let’s be deeply proud of being Mexican. Viva México!

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About Oklahoma City Community College:
Since its inception in 1972, Oklahoma City Community College (OCCC) has been the heartbeat of the Metro, dedicated to empowering learners and strengthening communities. Serving nearly 18,000 students, we are committed to producing leaders. “Student Success, Community Enrichment” is our mission as we offer more than 60 degree and certificate programs that provide a steppingstone to further education or immediate career readiness. We remain dedicated to providing accessible, affordable, high-quality education that equips students to achieve personal and professional goals. OCCC is more than an institution; we are a community catalyst, fostering growth and success in our city, our workforce, and the lives of our students. Discover your potential at OCCC, where your future is our purpose.

 

Media Contact:
Sarah Barrow
Executive Director of Communication
sarah.barrow@occc.edu
405-834-5406