BEST BET / ESCONDIDO : Fiestas Patrias

A community-wide party to celebrate the anniversary of Mexico’s independence from Spain will be held from noon to 10 p.m. Saturday at Kit Carson Park in Escondido.

Fiestas Patrias is a family event featuring popular Mexican music, dance, comedy and local Latino radio and television personalities. Variety shows will be held at 12:30, 2:30, 4:30 and 8 p.m., and awards will be presented for excellence in music and dance. Food and information booths will also be set up.

Entertainment will include the dancing troupes of Ballet Folklorico, performing regional dances of Mexico, and the Cielo y Sol Dancers, a group of youngsters. Musicians will include Latin Soul, Marfil and Festival.

During the 8 p.m. performance, there will be a reading of the “Grito,” the historic Mexican proclamation of independence. Mexico gained independence from Spain on Sept. 16, 1810.

Jorge Elias, a movie critic and television personality in Los Angeles, will host the festivities.

Fiesta sponsors include the city of Escondido, Amigos del Valle Escondido, KBNT (Channel 19), radio stations XEMO and XHFG-FM and North County’s Spanish-language newspaper, Hispanos Unidos. Some proceeds will go to the BECA Foundation, the Escondido Ballet Folklorico, Elderlink, Hidden Valley House and the Escondido Youth Encounter.

What: Fiestas Patrias

Where: Kit Carson Park, Escondido

When: Noon to 10 p.m. Saturday

Cost: Free admission and parking

Calls: 740-9561