County Supervisor Hilda Solis waves to the people lining the streets of East Los Angeles Sept. 14 for the 79th annual East Los Angeles Mexican Independence Day Parade. The parade was followed by a street festival on Mednik Avenue.
Courtesy photo
Wave Wire Services
EAST LOS ANGELES — The 79th annual East Los Angeles Mexican Independence Day Parade, billed as the nation’s oldest and largest Latin parade, took to the streets Sept, 14 to mark the 215th anniversary of El Grito de Dolores or the Cry of Dolores and the resulting war that led to Mexico’s independence from Spain.
The parade began at 10 a.m. at Cesar E. Chavez and Mednik avenues, amid an ongoing federal crackdown on illegal immigration that led to several events being canceled earlier this year.
“It’s been very challenging,” Maria Elena Serrano, president of the Mexican Civic Committee, told reporters during a news conference Sept. 12. “We didn’t know if we were going to move forward or not at moments. But thanks to our local officials and the police department, Chief McDonnell, who’s going to be in the parade also, so they give us great joy that we’re going to have them all.”
Los Angeles County Supervisor Hilda Solis added that organizers hope the participation of local law enforcement and other officials will help shield participants.
“We’re going to have our sheriffs, we’re gonna have the CHP, we’re going to have a lot of assistance out there, including vigilant volunteers and it will be monitored,” Solis said “I know our sheriff [Robert G. Luna] is also going to be riding in the parade as well, and many dignitaries, so there will be a lot of security and protection.”
Serrano acknowledged some people might have concerns about attending in person and urged them to instead watch the live broadcast on ABC7 or stream it on the station’s websites.
Retired NASA astronaut and engineer José Hernández, who is now a regent at the University of California, was the grand marshal.
This year’s theme was “Tradition, Education and Achievement.”
Solis later said the county was “participating in this event in an unprecedented way. For the first time, 27 county departments are investing approximately $50,000 and are on-site to connect directly with the community and provide essential resources and services. From workforce and veterans’ programs to public safety, youth development, and mental health services, county staff are here to support, uplift, and empower our residents.
“I am especially proud that departments are also conducting on-site interviews for internships and employment programs that can lead to long-term careers in public service,” she added.
The parade was followed by a festival along Mednik Avenue, between East Cesar E. Chavez Avenue and First Street, which featured live music, cultural performances and food vendors.
In addition to the parade, Mexican Independence Day was marked on Olvera Street with music, cultural activities, giveaways and food.
Mariachi and folklorico performances were held at the Downey Theatre in Downey.
El Grito marks the moment on Sept. 16, 1810 when Catholic priest Miguel Hidalgo y Costilla rang a church bell in Dolores, Mexico, giving a call to arms — El Grito de Dolores — that ignited the Mexican War of Independence against Spain. The Declaration of Independence of the Mexican Empire was signed on Sept. 28, 1821.
