49th Mexican Fiesta greets you with a new colorful woven sky and pan de feria

 

MILWAUKEE (CBS 58) -- Pan De Feria is a traditional Mexican fair bread that you can only get once a year. 

 "We have the master bakers already here on the grounds," said Tamara Olivas a board member for the fair. 

Bakers are here from Mexico to make the treat. Musicians, dancers and other artisans also made the trip here for the three day festival celebrating Hispanic culture. 

This year, right as you walk in to the Summerfest Grounds, you'll notice a burst of color above you. It's the Woven Sky, and it's part of the largest hand-woven sky ever made. It was created in Jalisco, Mexico and will be here for this weekend only. 

"In 2009 it was inducted as a world-record Guinness recipient. It was woven by 199 women and a man, and it was handmade," said Olivas. 

There will be more than 450 vendors this year between artisans and food. You'll be able to take in the culture at the Culture Pavilion with complimentary genealogy. 

But all ethnicities are welcome to come experience the culture of Mexico. Friday night will be the parade. People are encouraged to come dressed up at La Catrina for the Day of the Dead themed event.

While you take in all the fiesta has to offer, you're also supporting education and opportunities in the Hispanic community. 

"It's wonderful way to share our culture and our traditions, but really one of the main reasons we put this festival together is because at the end of the day we want to make sure we're able to award as many scholarships for our youth here in the state of Wisconsin," said Olivas. 

In the last 40 years, the Wisconsin Hispanic Scholarship Foundation has awarded nearly $2 million to college students.

Mexican Fiesta kicks off Friday, Aug. 25 at noon until midnight. It runs Saturday and Sunday 12 p.m. to midnight as well.