Mexican Day celebrations held in Barrie

A celebration of Mexican culture was held along Barrie's waterfront on Sunday.

The Mexican festival, a celebration of Mexican Independence Day, a significant event in Mexican culture, was organized by Riccardo Sierra, who owns Cocina Mexicana restaurant in Barrie.

"We organized the festival because I believe today is a very important celebration for all the Mexicans, and in my culture, it is a big party, so why, if we live outside of our country, should we not have a celebration like that," said Sierra.

The event featured live music, a mariachi band, traditional Mexican dancers and a food and vendor market.

"The Mexican population is growing in Barrie; in the last ten years, it has grown, and in the next five to ten years, it will grow a lot, thanks to the city of Barrie for allowing us to organize this," said Sierra.

With the success of Sunday's event, Barrie's first Mexican festival, organizer Riccardo Sierra is optimistic about its potential to become an annual celebration.