Holy Rosary Hosts Kermes Festival

The front lawn of Holy Rosary Parish in Evansville was bright with tents, flags and the colorful t-shirts and native clothing of volunteers as the seventh annual Kermes Festival was held on Sept. 17. The celebration in honor of Mexico’s Independence Day offered parishioners the opportunity to try authentic food and drink while building community.

Children were entertained by a bounce house, bingo (loteria) and face painting.  Costumes and backdrops were available for those willing to have their photographs taken and document the fun.

Food was plentiful and delicious.  Delicacies such as seafood ceviche, papas a la huancaina, agua frescas, Mexican corn on the cob, chicharrones, tamales, and most popular, tortes and tacos were available for purchase.

Pilar Triado, Latino Pastoral Assistant at Holy Rosary Parish, introduced members of Emaus, a group of Hispanic men and women that meet each week to share food and bible study.  “Many do not have family,” Triado explained. “If there is anything they need, Emaus is there.  We become family.” Many volunteers throughout the booths wore Emaus t-shirts to show their solidarity.

The Kermes tradition was started at Nativity Church in Evansville and continued at Holy Rosary after the two parishes merged in 2015.