Annual performance at Fox Pointe highlights Mexican music, dress, and dance
LANSING, Ill. – The sights and sounds of Mexico were on full display on a gorgeous Friday evening as the village welcomed México en el Corazón for its annual visit to the Fox Pointe outdoor venue.
With its name translated in English as “Mexico in the Heart,” the group travels internationally from Guadalajara as it shares Mexican culture through traditional and colorful dance and mariachi performances that entertain large crowds free of charge.
“It’s a fantastic celebration of Hispanic culture,” said Ken Reynolds, director of venue operations for the Village of Lansing.
Reynolds said this marked the third year in a row the group performed at Fox Pointe, but the celebration has been hosted in Lansing going back as far as at least 2017.
“Last year, we set an attendance record here,” Reynolds said. “We had 2,600 people last year.”
Jeff Schoettle, site superintendent at Fox Pointe, said he expected more people this year because of the pleasant weather and because the event’s popularity has grown.
“We’re proud to host this and it’s one of the crown jewels in our schedule,” Schoettle said.
The final announced attendance for 2025 was 2,500 people.
It’s unclear if the slightly lower numbers compared to last year had anything to do with some thought that U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement might make an appearance, but there was no evidence of that.
Building awareness of Latino community
Attendees who filled the lawn in front of the Fox Pointe stage not only enjoyed the performances but were able to visit vendors who sold traditional Mexican clothing and jewelry and purchase tamales, churros, and elotes offered by Rancho Grande restaurant.
There were photo opportunities available beside Mexican artwork and some danced to the music of an opening band that sang songs such as “La Bamba” in Spanish.
Lansing Mayor Brian Hardy welcome the crowd with a hearty cry of “Viva Mexico!”
Jordan Oliva, a Spanish teacher at Thornton Fractional South High School, was on hand with members of the school’s Spanish Honors Society, who handed out both Mexican and United States flags as visitors entered the venue.
Oliva said he particularly enjoys the mariachis in the México en el Corazón show.
“To have a great group like this who’s so well known make a stop in Lansing, it’s really nice for our community,” Oliva said.
He said the event is a way to celebrate the culture ahead of September, which is Hispanic Heritage Month.
“I think it really just brings awareness to the Latino community, to how strong we are here and the growing population of Latinos that we have here in Lansing and that we have in our area,” Oliva said.
Teaching the next generation
Samantha Cravens, a social worker at T.F. South, came to make sure Spanish-speaking families knew of services available to them, such as for tutoring and mental health.
Cravens had not been to the event previously, but said she was enjoying herself.
“I think this is just the coolest thing,” Cravens said. “I love it.”
Karen Haro, of Lansing, said she attends every year. Her parents are from the state of Jalisco in Mexico, and Haro looked forward to watching the dancers perform.
“It brings people out to celebrate their culture,” Haro said.
Rachel Boomker, of Hammond, brought her 4-year-old daughter, Anna. She attends the event each year and said she loves the costumes and music. Boomker said her parents are from Mexico, and she wanted Anna to know about their culture.
“I hope that she learns the positive things from her Mexican culture like the artistic, the family values, the music, food,” Boomker said.
Mike Maloney, of Highland, waited in line to buy a chocolate churros. Maloney said he is a regular visitor to Fox Pointe, but this was his first time at México en el Corazón.
“It just looked very interesting, and we love all things international,” Maloney said. “My wife is Polish and I’m Irish.”
The group had additional performances scheduled in Aurora and Melrose Park over the Labor Day weekend.
