By: Las Vegas Now Staff
Las Vegas is known throughout Mexico for its yearly celebration of 16 De Septiembre, Mexico's Independence Day. An estimated 400,000 Mexican nationals are expected to be in Las Vegas through Tuesday for the massive celebration.
Guadalupe Dorado is visiting from Juarez, Mexico with some family and friends.
“We feel like we are in Mexico. It's so welcoming. Everywhere you turn there is something announcing our holiday. It's a big deal for us…we enjoy being here,” Dorado said.
More and more hotels on the strip are catering to Mexican nationals by hosting Hispanic acts like Luis Miguel and Enrique Iglesias this weekend, or the Casamoyer/Marquez fight last weekend at the MGM Grand. The Las Vegas Hilton in particular pulls out all the stops for Hispanic holiday visitors.
“We usually have a Hispanic headliner in our theatre. We have Mexican food specials. We do a whole buffet menu in our coffee shop,” Ira Sternberg of the Hilton said. He also explained that the strip sees a big boost in tourism from the 16 De Septiembre visitors.
“You are going to see a lot of money spent during Mexico Independence Day in Las Vegas. Not only in terms of entertainment, but on the gaming side as well. A lot of casinos, including ours, will (hold) tournaments and that is a big element of it,” Sternberg said.
Dorado agrees and said that spending money is a big part of the fun.
“We spend a lot here. But it's worth it. We know before we get here that there are a lot of things to spend on… the shows, the food, and all the shopping.”
