Vibrant mariachi music reverberated around Legion Park as the sun set behind the trees on Friday, signaling the start of Woodburn’s annual Fiesta Mexicana . The crowd cheered as the lead singer of Mariachi Luz De Oro , meaning light of gold, sang a rendition of “Cruz De Madera,” cross of wood, to the tune of bright trumpets and stringed instruments. Made up of Woodburn High School graduates, the mariachi band was forged by a shared passion for the Mexican style of music.
That cultural appreciation and celebration was at the forefront of the three-day festival, which is celebrating 60 years. From Friday through Sunday, the festival is honoring Mexican culture in Wooburn with live performances, food and artisan booths, carnival rides, soccer tournaments, lucha libre, or wrestling, and a parade. The community event gives the booming Latino population in the area an opportunity to engage with their heritage, bringing together people from all walks of life.
A significant portion of Woodburn’s community is made up Latinos, who made up over 60% of the city’s population in 2020, or 16,020 out of 26,013 residents, according to the census . This demographic has steadily increased since the 1960s, when many arrived to work in agriculture. Looking around the park Friday evening, it seemed as if the entire city was in attendance.
Children enjoyed carnival rides and soccer games. Teenagers snacked on mango slices and danced to live music. Families sat at picnic tables, watching t.