There was food, there was dancing and celebration at Riverland Community College’s Mexican Independence Day celebration Wednesday as students, staff and faculty learned about Mexican heritage.

This year’s celebration marks the 200th anniversary of the start of events that lead to Mexico’s independence from Spain, according to Miguel Garate, an international student advisor at Riverland. Sept. 15 also marks the 100th anniversary of the Mexican Revolution of 1910, whereas both events are seen as symbols of Mexican independence and freedom.

Riverland students, faculty and staff tried several traditional Mexican dishes for lunch and watched traditional folk dancing performed by Riverland students.

The party may be over at Riverland, but festivities will continue this weekend as there will be a community-wide celebration at the Tienda Guerrero parking lot next to Austin Public library this Saturday, Sept. 18 from 2 to 8 p.m., followed by a free dance at El Parral Ballroom from 8 p.m. to midnight. On Sunday, there will be food and entertainment at El Parral from 2 to 8 p.m.