AUSTIN (KXAN) -- Austinites gathered in Downtown Austin at Republic Square to celebrate Mexican Independence Day Sunday night. The event, hosted by the Austin Saltillo Sister Cities Association, featured performances from dancers and singers, as well as lots of food and goods. Lolly Ortiz, one of the event attendees, said she embraced the culture highlighted at the event. "I just love that anyone can come here to celebrate," Ortiz said. "Mexican and Latin community is about just welcoming all." Omar Lopez, another attendee, said the atmosphere at the event was something he hadn't experienced in Austin before. "I've never been to one of these events," Lopez said. "I came and it feels like I'm in Mexico." Lawrence Gonzales, a volunteer with the Mexican American Heritage Corridor Project, said the event being held at Republic Square also held great cultural significance. "This is where the majority of the Mexican American community lived prior to 1928," Gonzales said. "Celebrations like Cinco de Mayo and Diez y Seis Septiembre occurred right here in Republic Square." Celebrating his heritage, Gonzales said he was happy to have these types of events in the heart of Austin. "Both sides of my family have been in Austin for five, six generations, and both sides were involved in the coordination of celebrations like this," Gonzales said. "It's a joy to carry on the legacy of my great grandparents." The event also featured Consul General of México Humberto Hernández Haddad, who reenacted the cry for Independence.