Sibling Soldiers To Help Lead Aurora Fiestas Patrias Parade

AURORA, IL — As the 2019 Aurora Fiesta Patrias Celebration approaches, the city has announced it will feature its first ever youth grand marshals in the annual parade. Siblings and U.S. Army soldiers Rocio and Joaquin (Oscar) Miranda will serve as youth grand marshals during the Sept. 14 parade, which will be grand marshaled by Maria and Rafael Valencia, owners of Tecalitlan restaurant.

The Mirandas, both alumni of East Aurora High School, have volunteered their time to help youth in Aurora since graduating. Rocio's enlistment in the army inspired her brother, Joaquin to enlist as well, Aurora officials said in a news release.

Joaquin served as commanding officer for the high school's NJROTC program before becoming an Aurora Police cadet. He also works with Boys II Men, an Aurora-based mentoring program that helps local youths.

In addition to serving in the U.S. Army, Rocio also served as an Aurora Police cadet. She formerly worked as a 911 operator for the city and spends her spare time teaching dance and fitness classes in Aurora.

If you've eaten at Tecalitlan Restaurant like most Aurorans, you've got some idea of how integral the restaurant and the family who runs it are to the city's culture. Maria and Rafael Valencia, have owned the restaurant for close to 40 years, will serve as Grand Marshals for the parade.

Aurora's Fiestas Patrias celebration will feature a parade, carnival rides, and live entertainment on Sept. 14 from 1 p.m. to 10 p.m. and Sept. 15 from 10 a.m. to 8 p.m. to commemorate the anniversary of Mexico's independence.

The Fiestas Patrias parade will start at Benton and Broadway at 11 a.m. Sept. 15.