East LA’s history and culture reflected in milestone Mexican Independence Day Parade
This tradition is the largest and longest-running parade of its kind in the U.S.
EAST LOS ANGELES (KABC) -- While many were still asleep Sunday morning, East Los Angeles was buzzing with anticipation.
A transformation was underway outside KIPP Illuminar Academy just before dawn, as volunteers plotted out booth spaces ahead of the East LA Mexican Independence Day Parade and Festival.
The largest and longest-running celebration of its kind in the U.S. marked its 80th year Sunday, with a focus on tradition, family, and culture.
More than 100 parade entrants lined Cesar E. Chavez Avenue early, in anticipation of the 10 a.m. step off led by opener Mariachi Cielito Lindo.
Revelers trickled in around 7:30 a.m., many looking for their chance to catch grand marshal and Grammy-nominated singer El Dasa on the parade route.
For 80 years, the Mexican Patriotic Civic Committee Inc., has been the driving force behind the iconic Mexican Independence Day Parade and Festival.
The committee also observed a milestone of its own Sunday, celebrating its 95th anniversary.
Eyewitness News anchor Jovana Lara, meteorologist Danny Romero, and reporters Abigail Velez, Monica de Anda, and Sid Garcia helped bring all the sights and sounds from this year’s festivities during ABC7’s two-hour broadcast.
Garcia, who rode in the parade on the back of a convertible, said the parade is a true reflection of the traditions, culture and families of East LA.
“It reminds me of something my dad used to tell people, ‘Mi casa es su casa. You come here as strangers, and you leave as family,’” Garcia said.
Los Angeles County Supervisor Hilda Solis, a long-time parade supporter, was also honored as this year’s co-grand marshal.
El Dasa hails from the Mexican state of Sonora, where his artistic journey began. At the age of 18, he moved to LA, and worked with legendary singer Vincente Fernandez.
A few years later, El Dasa released his first album, producing his first hit. He is also a recipient of an international Emmy award, nominated twice for the Latin Grammy Awards and once for Premio Lo Nuestro.
Supervisor Solis represents the first supervisorial district of Los Angeles County, which is home to nearly 2 million residents. Her district includes East Los Angeles, where the annual Mexican Independence Day Parade and Festival takes place.
She is recognized as one of the highest-ranking Latino politicians in the country and served as the U.S. Secretary of Labor from 2009 to 2013. Solis' office has funded the parade for the past few years.
This is her last year on the L.A. County Board of Supervisors.
ABC7 is the proud exclusive media partner for the East LA Mexican Independence Day Parade.
