Why Are So Many Mexican Flags Flying Around Illinois and Wisconsin?

Over the past couple of weeks, you may have noticed more and more Mexican flags flying and being displayed on car hoods around town.

Tamale Fest 815 was going on last weekend (September 9) and I saw many large Mexican flags proudly flown from the back of pickups near the event on State Street, but that's not the real reason they've been more prominent.

READ MORE: Why Are Illinois Flags Still at Half-Staff?

Mexican Flag Was 'Confirmed' in 1984

The official flag of Mexico has the tricolor green, white, and red, with the national coat of arms in the center that was "approved by presidential decree in 1916 by Venustiano Carranza, where the eagle was changed from a front-facing to a side-facing position," according to Wikipedia.

Expect to See More Flags Flying This Upcoming Weekend

As we get closer to this Saturday, September 16, there will likely be more flags displaying Mexican pride because it's Mexican Independence Day with "colorful parades, mariachi concerts, and food, food, and more Sabrosa food."

READ MORE: George Lopez in Rockford to Perform on Mexican Independence Day

Popular comedian George Lopez will be in Rockford this Saturday for a performance at the Coronado Theater on Mexican Independence Day. Limited tickets are still available by clicking HERE.

One of the most popular events connected to Mexican Independence Day is when the President of Mexico rings the 200-year-old bell Father Hidalgo used in 1810 and recites the Grito de Dolores speech in front of 500,000 people. This event is broadcast live to millions via Mexican TV and radio on the evening of September 15.

National Spanish Heritage Month is also held from September 15 to October 15 which celebrates "the histories, cultures and contributions of American citizens whose ancestors came from Spain, Mexico, the Caribbean and Central and South America."

One of the trendy new ways to show pride in your heritage is with the Mexico Flag car hood cover, or with the mini flag attached to your side windows.

Even spotted Honduras flags on a vehicle showing their home country's pride while driving toward Alpine Road in Rockford.