Thousands celebrated Mexican Independence Day at Los Angeles City Hall on Sunday, Sept. 15. Councilman Hugo Soto-Martinez served as this year’s padrino for the annual El Grito ceremony held on the eve of the official holiday.
City Hall was lit up with the colors of the Mexican flag for the nighttime event with LA’s elected officials joining the Consul General of Mexico to reenact the historic “Cry of Dolores” and ringing of the bell, as it’s done in Mexico, commemorating Miguel Hidalgo’s call to arms in 1810, launching the Mexican War for Independence.
“La Fiesta del Pueblo” is the theme for the City Hall event, described as “a celebration of the working people, indigenous peoples, women, and organizers that are an integral part of Latino culture and history.”
“As the son of Mexican immigrants from Zacatecas, who worked as street vendors when they came to Los Angeles, I’m incredibly proud of my roots and my culture,” said Soto-Martinez.
He acknowledged the scores of Latinos who live in LA with ties to other Latin American countries.
“Thank you to everyone who celebrated with us at El Grito, and congratulations to all the Salvadoran, Honduran, Costa Rican, Guatemalan and Chilean people, who are also celebrating their independence this week.”
Mexican Independence Day marks the start of Latino Heritage Month nationwide.
The White House issued a proclamation signed by President Joe Biden. In part, it read:
“From those who have been here for generations to those who have recently arrived, Latinos have pushed our great American experiment forward. They are the community, faith, and union leaders who advocate and stand up for all of us. They are the first responders, who put themselves in harm’s way to keep the rest of us safe. And they represent the best of who we are as a Nation — the teachers and doctors, athletes and artists, business leaders, public servants, and so much more. They embody the possibilities of our Nation and the dreams of those who work every day to build a better future for their children, grandchildren, and beyond.
In the Oval Office, I keep a bust of Cesar Chavez, one of my heroes, who once said: ‘Our ambitions must be broad enough to include the aspirations and needs of others, for their sakes and for our own.’ Together, I know that we will continue to build a future that generations of Latinos can be proud of — one founded on honesty, respect, and faith and where everyone has an opportunity to pursue their talents and ambitions.”
East LA Has Oldest Mexican Independence Parade in U.S.A.
Last weekend was the kick-off for community events for Latino Heritage Month.
On Sunday, Sept. 15, Latino residents living in the Eastside were joined by many more who traveled from surrounding communities to attend the 78th Annual Mexican Independence Parade, the largest and longest-running Mexican parade in the country.
One Orange County resident said it was her first time at the East LA parade, “It reminds me of being in Mexico. I heard it was nice, but didn’t know how great it is. I regret not coming sooner.”
The sidewalks were full as three charros riding proudly on majestic horses led the start of the parade. In a row – each one carried a flag – the Mexican flag, the American flag and the California flag.
Along the route, the thousands of spectators applauded and cheered, “Viva Mexico!” waving small Mexican flags as Garfield and other high school marching bands followed by their cheerleaders and drill teams.
There were floats with banda and mariachi groups playing, low riders and convertibles with celebrity guests. Charros on prancing horses, Aztec and Folklorico groups danced the 1.5 miles on Cesar Chavez Avenue.
Various states of Mexico were represented with people dressed in distinctive traditional costumes.
The parade was multicultural, reminiscent of the history when Mexican American, Japanese and Jewish residents lived in East LA.
Organized by the Comite Mexicano Civico Patriotico, Ernesto Guzmán Rodriguez, known by his ring name “El Hijo Del Santo,” was the grand master. The well-known Mexican luchador and activist has followed in his father’s footsteps as a star in luchador films.
Actress Diana Zermeño, the voice of Dora in Nickelodeon’s rebooted animated series, “Dora the Explorer” was the co-grand marshal.
Events for Latino Heritage Month will continue through Oct. 15.