Text on torn paper background that reads 'Hecho en Fort Madison' with a butterfly illustration and subtitle 'Our Mexican Heritage'.
Historical informational sign about Fort Madison, describing its significance as the oldest Mexican community in Iowa, established by Mexican peasants working for Santa Fe, with details about its early population and living conditions.
An elderly woman in a hooded coat sitting on a metal chair outside a wooden building, with a table and wooden door behind her.
Decorative poster with historical photos and text about Mexican communities, including Barrio El Cometa, La Yarda, and La Istaファte, and the Fort Madison Fiesta, with colorful flowers, butterflies, and papel picado banners.
Graphic poster celebrating Día de los Muertos with decorated skull and floral motifs, information about the holiday and its cultural significance.
Illustration of a monarch butterfly with orange and black wings, surrounded by text that reads "Fort Madison Iowa Monarch Butterflies."
Learn More About Monarchs
Text that reads 'Mexican Owned Businesses' in stylized font.
Carlito’s Place
Vel's Amigos
Prado's Trading Post
Logo with the text 'Mexican Heritage' in stylized font.
Latin American Club - LULAC 304
Diaz family in front of their boxcar
Mujeres Latinas Project
El Cometa barrio
Flyer for Fort Madison Mexican Fiesta featuring colorful floral decorations and images of a mural, a historical black-and-white photograph of people, and a butterfly on an orange flower. It includes event schedule, logos, and text about the fiesta's purpose and history.
A colorful informational flyer about the Mexican Fiesta in Fort Madison. It includes sections on the festival's traditions, history, and community activities, featuring photos of traditional dance performances and group dances at the event.
Brochure Cover
Inside Brochure
2026 Cinco de Mayo
2026 Mexican Fiesta
2025 Cinco de Mayo
2025 Mexican Fiesta
Mexican Fiesta Website
Decorative floral design with blue, red, yellow, and orange flowers and leaves, with the text 'Our Friends & Neighbors' in orange on a black background.
Fiesta dancer
A man with a beard, wearing a black jacket, a backwards black and pink cap, and a bolo tie, sprinkles cheese onto a bowl of food at an outdoor gathering.
Fort Madison Iowa Fiesta dance in the street in the Village
Fort Madison Mexican Fiesta Dancers
A boy is tossing confetti onto a girl at a fairground with a stage in the background.
People in traditional Mexican dresses and sombreros perform a dance during a cultural celebration.
Fiesta baby in traditional dress
Four Mexican-style street corn cobs coated with cheese, chili powder, and herbs on a green plate, garnished with lime wedges and cilantro.

Fort Madison Dishes

What says "Iowa" more than corn on the cob? How about indulging in a classic Fort Madison, Iowa recipe that pays homage to our Mexican heritage. Enter: ELOTE! Also known as Mexican street corn, elote is a mouthwatering Mexican twist on our beloved corn on the cob. Enjoy Iowa grilled corn slathered with mayo or crema, then sprinkled with lime, chili or tajin, and authentic Mexican cheese like Cotija.

Elote Recipe

Find your Fort Madison!

Encuentra tu Fort Madison!