Their old friend, a music professor and marimba player, had traveled to Utah for a Mexican Independence Day celebration in Salt Lake City.

"It's really satisfying to see that we have professors who can play so well this instrument that is representative of our Chiapateca blood," said Lopez, a native of Chiapas.

Sept. 16 is Mexico's official independence day, marking the end of three centuries of Spanish rule. For Mexicans living outside their native land, the celebration remains an important part of who they are.

"Our hearts swell with joy to see this celebration," said Lopez, who has lived in Utah for 23 years. "We are U.S. citizens but Mexican blood runs through our veins. It's such a joy and satisfaction."

Fiesta Mexicana has hosted the party for seven years, each year highlighting a Mexican region or state. This year, the choice was Chiapas, the country's southernmost state.

Chiapas is so far south that many Mexicans know little about it or have been unable to visit, said Rhosby Barker, president of the club United Chiapanecos in Utah.

The club, which has about 200 members who were born in Chiapas and now live in Utah, recruited Ballet Folklorico de la Universidad National Autonoma de Chiapas and Grupo International Marimbistico de la UNICACH to entertain festival-goers.

The ballet troupe performed classic dances native to the region. The crowd cheered as the five marimba musicians played a popular Mexican song on the large wooden instrument that resembles a xylophone.

When there is a party or any celebratory event in Chiapas, it's not the mariachi that comes, it's the marimba.

Barker, a native of Chiapas herself, performed some of her own music and poetry for the crowd.

"We are trying not to lose our culture. So each year we bring people from different states to show us their art, music, dance and food," Barker said. "And for those that don't know us, they learn about the culture, too."

One festival booth displayed traditional dresses that incorporate aspects of the region's indigenous population as well as a Spanish influence. Chiapas is also known for its amber.

"One of the goals, too, is to let other Mexicans see how beautiful and rich their culture is," Barker said.

Nefertiti Olguin and her three children attended the event for the first time this year. A native of Taumalipas, Mexico, Olguin said what she saw was all new to her.

"Life is easier here, but you always miss your family and your friends," Olguin said.