Mexican Fiesta kicks off Thursday

FORT MADISON - This Thursday through Saturday, come down to “the village,” where for 103 years Fort Madison has held its annual Mexican Fiesta. 34th and 35th Street on Avenue Q will be lit with the kaleidoscope of colorful traditional Mexican clothing and lights of Avenue Q. “The village” is where many Mexicans settled after moving north to work on the railroads during the expansion era, and many of their families still remain.
It’s the perfect introduction to the fall season in Fort Madison. Between the live music, the coronations, energetic carnival rides, Mexican crafts, traditional Mexican dances and food, you can expect nothing less than a wonderful few nights spent with your friends and family, celebrating Mexico’s independence and the town's Mexican cultural heritage that still exists in “the village.”
“We plan for this event all year round, so we start in January with our elections and meet every month to get all the pieces in place. So we've been working on improvements and maintenance for the last two months and things are looking really good,” says Angela Salazar, the former Fort Madison Mexican Fiesta Committee President.
Ghost of Judas, a local metal rock band will be lighting up the stage with live music on Thursday night after the torch lighting ceremony.
“They were selected by popular vote on Facebook, so we're hoping for a young crowd to head down. They are a pretty popular band in town,” Salazar said.
Crooked Cactus, a local band with some members who are from “the village” will be playing live Latin music and classic rock Friday and Saturday night.
The events' carnival will be hosted by Gotcha Games, an Iowa-based company, who has been a part of the fiesta for a third year this year.
“They've added some things this year. We're going to have funnel cakes, corn dogs, and kettle corn in addition to the rides. We’ve got the street filled up with rides,” she said.
As always, the authentic Mexican food will not disappoint, with plenty of selections, such as mouth watering street tacos, soft and fried tacos, and home made made tamales straight from local vendors from Carthage and families in “the village.” The LULAC (League of United Latin Americans) will also be open serving tacos and burrito bowls.
Friday will be the official presentation and crowning of the queens and princess candidates, of which there are 10 girls competing in each. Salazar said they have a big court this year, and all of their families will be present, so the fiesta expects a big crowd this year.
Saturday’s main events will be a historical appreciation and remembrance of the Mexican Fiesta and its rich history here in the place that we all call home.
The schedule of events for this year's festival is below. 
Thursday, September 11th, 2025            
Master of Ceremonies:  Jesse Juarez, Jr.
4 p.m. - Carnival; Hospitality Garden opens; Vendors with Authentic Mexican Food and crafts
6 p.m. - Torch Lighting: Welcome to the 104th Fort Madison Mexican Fiesta!
7 p.m. - 11 p.m. -  Street Dance- Ghost of Judas
Friday, September 12, 2025
Master of Ceremonies:  Jesse Juarez, Jr.
4 p.m. - Carnival “Gotcha Games; Hospitality Garden opens; Vendors with Authentic Mexican Food and crafts
6 p.m. - Invocation and Blessing of Fiesta; Flag Grand March; Mexican National Anthem; American National Anthem (All State Choir Kids, FMHS); Welcome from Fiesta Committee President, and others; Presentation of Queen and Princess Candidates; Crowning of Fiesta Queens and Princesses; Reading of History of the Mexican Fiesta; La Fiesta Dance Troupe; Reading of Mexican Act of Independence
8 p.m. - Street Dance with Live Music -Crooked Cactus
11 p.m. - El Grito
Saturday, September 13, 2025
Master of Ceremonies:  Jesse Juarez, Jr.
8 a.m. - 5K Fun Walk/Run
11 a.m. - Bike Helmet Fitting Giveaway & Activities
12 p.m. - Carnival Opens; Hospitality Garden opens; Vendors with Authentic Mexican Food and crafts
2 p.m. - Spiciest Dish Contest; Jalapeno Eating Contest; Burrito Eating Contest
6 p.m. - Flag Grand March; Reading of the Mexican Act of Independence; Mexican National Anthem; American National Anthem; Welcome from Fiesta Committee President and others; Presentation of Queens and Princesses; Reading of History of the Mexican Fiesta; Drawing for Queen Contest Prizes; Reading of Mexican Act of Independence; La Fiesta Dance Troupe
8 p.m. -  Street Dance with Live Music -Crooked Cactus
11 p.m. - El Grito