The City of Aurora government, in partnership with the Aurora Hispanic Heritage Advisory Board, is set to celebrate Fiestas Patrias 2025 with an all-day extravaganza on Saturday, Sept. 6 and, for the first time since 2019, a parade in downtown Aurora Sunday, Sept. 7.
The Saturday event, taking place at Wilder Park, 350 N. River Street, from noon to 9 p.m., will feature seven bands, including the critically acclaimed Los Sementales De Nuevo Leon, Banda Portillos, and Jose Luis Duval. The event will also feature some of the area’s finest food vendors and the popular El Grito de Independencia. On Sunday, the Fiestas Patrias Parade will return to downtown, stepping off at 11 a.m. on the corner of Broadway (IL Route 25) and Benton. Following a public nomination process for Grand Marshal, longtime community member and East Aurora School District Board
Member, Saúl Olivas, was selected to lead the parade. Born in Aurora, Olivas has dedicated his life to education, equity, and community service. Olivas first entered education as a teacher’s assistant at C.I. Johnson Elementary School, where he supported students with special needs, coached volleyball, and encouraged wellness through the 100-Mile Club.
Beyond the classroom, Olivas has remained deeply engaged in Aurora’s community. He served as the Advisory Board president for the Dominican Literacy Center, currently serves as the vice president II of the Citizen Police Academy Alumni of Aurora, and is active with the Aurora Lions Club, the Aurora East Educational Foundation, and the Alliance of Latinos Motivating Action in the Suburbs (ALMAS).
“Education and community are at the heart of everything I do,” Olivas said. “Aurora gave me the foundation to grow, and now I feel it’s my responsibility to help ensure the same opportunities are available for the next generation.”
For more information visit www.aurora.il.us/FiestasPatrias.
— City of Aurora government