LOS ANGELES (CNS) – The 79th annual East Los Angeles Mexican Independence Day Parade, billed as the nation’s oldest and largest Latin parade, will take to the streets Sunday as commemorations of 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 continue.
The parade, which steps off at 10 a.m. Sunday from Cesar E. Chavez and Mednik avenues, comes 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 Friday news conference. “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 may still have concerns about attending in person and urged them to instead watch the live broadcast on ABC7 or stream it on the station’s website.
Retired NASA astronaut and engineer José M. Hernández, who is now a regent of the University of California, will be the grand marshal.
This year’s theme is “Tradition, Education and Achievement.”
The parade will be followed by a festival along Mednik Avenue, between East Cesar E. Chavez Avenue and First Street, which will feature live music, cultural performances and food vendors.
In addition to the parade, El Grito will be marked on Olvera Street with music, cultural activities, giveaways and food starting at 6 p.m. Sunday.
Mariachi and folklorico performances will be held at the Downey Theatre in Downey starting at 5 p.m. Sunday.
In Orange County, a fiesta will be held in Santa Ana from noon to 10 p.m. Sunday with a street fair, live music and cultural performances. A parade will also be held on Sunday.
El Gito 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 Delores — that ignited the Mexican War of Independence against Spain. The Declaration of Independence of the Mexican Empire was signed on Sept. 28, 1821.
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