PEORIA, Ill. (WMBD) — Hispanic Heritage Month kicks off this week, and to start strong, the Peoria Hispanic community held the La Caravana Vehicle Parade.
Dozens of cars, trucks and even a few horses took over Northeast Monroe Street and Hamilton Boulevard Sunday afternoon to celebrate the start of the special month.
While showcasing their pride by flying their flags high, the people cheered on. Nicholas Canchola, who rode his horse through the parade, said he is so grateful they get this opportunity.
“It means everything to us,” Canchola said. “I think I grew up more in Mexican culture than here, and we’re happy to bring a little bit of it here and represent our culture, especially with horses.”
He said a lot of people aren’t super familiar with their community, so being able to showcase their culture is very important.
“I guess just seeing it is the start,” he said. “Maybe if they can take something in the cowboy culture which I think was started by Mexicans, that’s important to show.”
Hispanic Heritage Month is from Sept. 15 through Oct. 15.
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