Hundreds of people stood almost shoulder-to-shoulder in the streets to watch to 43rd annual Fiestas Patrias International Parade.
"It's once a year, so if we are going to do it, we are going to do it big," Ivon Avila, parade spectator, said.
There were more than 100 floats, cars, walkers and bands. It was a big celebration commemorating the independence of Mexico from Spain that happened nearly 200 years ago.
"What really got my attention was the music mostly, and the [ROTC] soldiers that are walking from their high schools," Avila said.
For the hundreds of people lining the streets, the floats and costumes at the celebration brought a sense of pride.
"This celebration makes you feel proud of being a person belonging to the Mexican culture," Anjelica Broussard said.
"It gives us pride in being a Mexican. Even though we are so far from our original country, we still get to come here and get to see people we can relate to," Graciela Garza said.
And, though fun, community leaders say the event is ultimately about remembering the fight for independence.
"It actually gives you a reminder of what we did years ago so our youth won't ever forget," said John Martinez with the Houston American GI Forum.
