In 1972 Fiesta del Sol began as a celebration to commemorate PNCC’s role in securing the city’s commitment to building Benito Juarez Leadership Academy. Today, Fiesta del Sol continues to reflect the organization’s desire for social transformation.

What started off as a block party—has evolved into a nationally publicized event. But, unlike other festivals; Fiesta del Sol is family-friendly, alcohol and tobacco-free festival.

Teresa Fraga, a long time PNCC board member and community leader says that “the sun is a vital symbol to the Mexican-American people.” Although there is no written documents that confirm the origin of the name, “Fiesta del Sol is representative of many things Mexican,” says Fraga.

During the 1980′s Fiesta del Sol hosted the “Voladores de Papantla” (The Flyers), a group of four men who “fly” upside down from a 75 ft. pole secured by a rope that is tied around the flyers’ waists. The 1500-year-old ritual is a sacred homage to Quetzalcoatl, the Morning Star.

The flyers are led by a priest dressed in red and white (to represent the sun), they create a circle that rotates at the top of the pole, while the priest sits at the center. The symbolism is tied with the connection to the importance of nourishing the soil for cultivation of crops and their knowledge of Astronomy and the Universe. The ritual is combined with dance, music, poetry and art.

“Immigrants are the people who toil the soil, says Fraga.” We are people who work under the sun…and we also celebrate under the sun.” PNCC continues to evoke this energy, art and culture through Fiesta del Sol every year.