To honor the Mexican heritage of thousands of Cicero residents, embrace English and Spanish biliteracy and demonstrate how celebrating culture can help strengthen family communities, Cicero District 99 is one again joining forces with the Town of Cicero and Cicero Mexican Cultural Committee to host the annual Day of the Child community celebration on Saturday, April 29.

From 9:30 a.m. to noon at Unity Junior High School, 2115 S. 54th Ave., Cicero, Day of the Child (or Dia del Niño) will commemorate Mexico’s annual celebration of children, featuring student art projects, traditional Mexican folkloric music and dancing, live music from the J. Sterling Morton High School District 201 mariachi band, an academic showcase quiz show for students, and light refreshments.

Preparations for the event began in February, with families in Cicero having teamed up with District 99 teachers to create colorful piñatas featuring students’ favorite cartoon characters, displaying the uniqueness and whimsy of childhood. The project-based learning sessions held after school also served as a vehicle for promoting biliteracy, with teachers leading guided readings with dual-language books about the cultural significance behind Day of the Child.

The Mexican holiday, which is designated each year on April 30, typically features schools and town centers holding large celebrations complete with games, candy and music.

Isabel Ramirez, parent outreach coordinator for District 99, says Cicero’s Dia del Niño aims to provide a safe and educational outlet for the community to celebrate their culture and heritage.

“Most importantly, parents, grandparents, children and teachers are able to learn from each other, and celebrate the ‘gifts’ of culture and tradition that they can share with their children and the school community,” she said.

For more information about Day of the Child, contact Isabel Ramirez at iramirez@cicd99.edu.