Mexican Holiday Celebration at Arizona Capitol Connects Culture, Economy
Natalia Rodriguez, Cronkite News
September 17, 2026
PHOENIX – For the fifth consecutive year, the Consulate General of Mexico in Phoenix hosted a Mexican Independence Day celebration at the Arizona State Capitol, bringing together politicians and community members to celebrate the historic date and the relationship between Arizona and Mexico.
While the celebration marks the 216th anniversary of the Grito de Independencia de Mexico — the call to independence proclaimed in 1810 – the event has grown beyond merely commemorating this day for many attendees and organizers.
“In addition to celebrating a very important date in Mexico’s history – the birth of the modern Mexican nation – here in Arizona, it is also about celebrating and recognizing the contributions of the Mexican and Mexican American communities throughout Arizona’s history,” said Consul General of Mexico in Phoenix Jorge Mendoza Yescas, speaking in Spanish. “They have helped shape what the state is today both domestically and internationally.”
It’s a celebration of culture and heritage but also a reminder of how deeply Arizona’s history and economy are connected to Mexico and the Mexican American community, said Mónica S. Villalobos, President and CEO of the Arizona Hispanic Chamber of Commerce.
“When you look at the economic output of Mexican Americans in Arizona, which is estimated to be about $97 billion, that is good news for both sides of the border,” Villalobos said. “So when we celebrate, there may be a slightly different meaning for each.”
Despite previous political tensions with Mexico, Mendoza Yescas emphasized the importance of hosting the event at the state Capitol, as it is the center of Arizona’s political power. “It is important for people to come and know the place where decisions are made that ultimately affect our Mexican and Mexican American communities either positively or negatively,” he said.
Senate President Warren Petersen, R-Gilbert, remarked that the event showcased how American and Mexican cultures share themes of liberty and freedom. “We want to show that we’re good neighbors; it’s part of growing that relationship,” Petersen said. “It’s personal to me; my wife was born in Mexico, so I’m a big fan of Mexico and our relationship with Mexico.”
Vanessa Nielsen, communications and marketing director for the Arizona-Mexico Commission, highlighted the significance of small businesses and community members in making the event special.
Vendor Eva Téllez, who sold light-up wands, balloons, and flags, expressed the celebration’s importance as it connects Mexicans, even when they are far from home. “It reminds us of where we come from, our Mexico, and that we don’t need to forget it,” Téllez said in Spanish. “We feel connected above all to Mexico even though we are not there.”
Although attendance was lower than in previous years, Téllez noted it was an improvement compared to last year when gatherings were limited due to heightened immigration enforcement.
Governor Katie Hobbs emphasized the importance of Arizona’s relationship with Mexico and the economic impact it generates. “Our friendship with Mexico is so important, and you can see Mexican influence all over Arizona. It’s a part of who we are,” Hobbs said.
Supporting Hispanic-owned businesses is viewed as a crucial economic development strategy in Arizona. Villalobos pointed out that Hispanic businesses are growing at rates two to three times faster than other businesses.
Mendoza Yescas noted that two-way trade between Arizona and Mexico surged by about 40% from 2024 to 2025, indicating a promising economic relationship. He projected that Arizona’s trade with Mexico could reach levels similar to California’s in five to six years.
Regardless of political affiliation, Arizona officials recognize the importance of maintaining a fruitful relationship with Mexico, Nielsen said. “Our supply chains, our ability to create jobs, our workforce development initiatives, they all depend on strengthening and maintaining the relationship we have with Mexico.”
This article first appeared on Cronkite News and is republished here under a Creative Commons Attribution-NoDerivatives 4.0 International License.
