Columnist Joe Delaney: Mexican heritage the theme on the Strip

INDEPENDENCE DAY. ... Mexico celebrates its Independence Day on Sept. 16 each year. ... During the 1990s, Las Vegas seems to have become a favorite place for Mexicans to celebrate the occasion. ... With Sept. 16 on a Wednesday this year, the observance started here last Saturday and continues through this Sunday, nine days over two weekends.

Caesars Palace and the Tropicana were the first to book Mexican acts for this period, in the late 1980s. ... Las Vegas has always considered the interval between Labor Day and Sept. 15, when many people have to make a quarterly estimated income tax payment, as a quiet time, not much happening.

Not anymore. ... This year, the grudge boxing championship rematch between Oscar De La Hoya and Julio Cesar Chavez will put more than 17,000 fans into the Thomas & Mack Center on Friday. ... Look for heavy sports book action as well, as late-arriving Mexican money comes in on Chavez.

El Numero Uno

Vicente Fernandez, also known as El Rey and King of the Rancheros, has been a favorite on both sides of the border for more than three decades. ... He will perform with his Mariachi Chapala at 11 this evening and at midnight Saturday in the Luxor Hotel Theatre. ... Fernandez was born in Huentitlan del Alto, Jalisco, Mexico.

In addition to his successes as a recording and performing artist, Fernandez is one of Mexico's top film stars. ... His latest picture, "El Querido Vieja" ("My Beloved Old Man"), also features his son, Alejandro, a star in his own right, Luis Miguel's most serious heartthrob challenger, who just closed at the Rio, Sept. 12-15.

Another famous Fernandez performer, Pedro Fernandez, Vicente's godson, is a special guest star in Saturday's Eighth Annual LV International Mariachi Festival at 8 p.m., Thomas & Mack Center.

Anent Vikki Carr

Florencio Bisenta de Casillas Martinez Cardona, known professionally as Vikki Carr, a three-time Grammy winner, is at the Orleans Hotel through Sunday, her second year here during the Mexican Independence Day period. ... "It Must Be Him," "With Pen In Hand" and "Simplememte Mujer" are three of Vikki's Grammy contenders.

Comedian Paul Rodriguez appears in the Monte Carlo showroom at 11 tonight and Saturday. ... Rodriguez started as a stand-up comedian and quickly expanded his career to include television and films. ... His latest film, "The Melting Pot," is set for an October release.

A previous film, "A Million To Juan," was his first directorial effort, based upon a story by Mark Twain, "The Million Pound Bank Note." ... He was also featured with Whoopi Goldberg, Ted Danson and Will Smith in the film, "Made In America," a true renaissance man.

Saturday special

Saturday's Eighth Annual LV International Mariachi Festival has resumed residence at the Thomas & Mack Center after six years in the Aladdin Theatre for the Performing Arts, now shuttered. ... This year's festival marks the return of Mariachi Vargas de Tecalitlan, celebrating a century of musical tradition, along with Mariachi Sol de Mexico de Jose Hernandez, Mariahci Las Arrieros de Mexico and Las Marimbas Nandayapa.

Pedro Fernandez and Yolanda Del Rio are the special guest stars, along with the Ballet Folklorico de San Juan de Julie Gallegos, 50 youngsters, ages 4-17, in colorful native costumes. ... Gallegos also doubles as scenic designer for the three hour-plus festival.

With the growth of Mexican Independence Day as a special observance in Las Vegas, we look forward to an acceleration of activities next year for Cinco de Mayo, another important date in Mexican history.

Special mention

Separate recognition is due Jose Hernandez and his Mariachi Sol de Mexico. ... Hernandez, known as the Great Innovator, has served as musical director for the 18 festivals to date, here, in Phoenix and Tucson, and elsewhere. ... Hernandez is known for his special arrangements of "West Side Story," a show-stopping Big Band medley and a just released CD on EMI Latin, "Acupulco Girls," with The Beach Boys.

Las Vegas needs to develop more heritage festivals in the future. ... Have a great weekend. ... See you next Thursday.

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