East L.A.’s Mexican Independence Day Fest is back for another year of celebration

Each year, the East L.A. Mexican Independence Day Parade & Festival brings together over 20,000 people for a day filled with culture, music and community pride. This year, the festival will be held on Sunday, September 14. We encourage you to mark your calendar and join the community in celebrating this significant cultural event.

The East L.A. Mexican Independence Day Parade & Festival stands as a vibrant annual commemoration of Mexican culture and history. First established in 1946 by the Comite Mexicano Civico Patriotico, it has evolved into a longstanding and respected tradition within the East L.A. community. 

It is also recognized as the largest Mexican Independence Day celebration in the United States. The event seeks to honor the richness of Mexican heritage while uniting families and friends through shared cultural festivities. 

This year, José M. Hernández, the Mexican American engineer and astronaut, will be the grand marshal of the 79th East Los Angeles Mexican Independence Day Parade & Festival. From migrant farmworker to space shuttle astronaut, Hernández’s remarkable journey continues to inspire many in the Latino community. 

In August 2009, Hernández flew aboard space shuttle mission STS-128 and previously served as chief of the materials and processes branch at NASA’s Johnson Space Center. He currently serves as a regent of the University of California, demonstrating his commitment to education and community service. 

The East L.A. parade will feature floats that demonstrate traditions and culture of the early days' celebrations. Each Mexican State Federation decorates its float according to the traditions of their state; dancers of all generations join along with a musical performance.

Since 1947, the Comite Mexicano Civico Patriotico has worked with the Mexican Consulate, local schools and Hispanic media to organize the parade. Hundreds of thousands of musicians from around the world have marched through the streets of East L.A. The parade includes bands from high schools, colleges, universities, and the military. 

Equestrian units also remain an irreplaceable part of the East L.A. parade. Each year, the parade features a wide variety of horse breeds that entertain spectators, each with its own style and grace. Equestrian units offer a variety of unique skills and colorful costumes that tie into the culture of each Mexican state while continuing to honor its traditions.

Following the parade, the festival will take place on Mednik Avenue and will feature delicious Mexican food, live music, traditional performances and activities for the whole family. Parade attendees are recommended to arrive early to get their viewing spot on Avenida César Chávez Ave. It will be sunny, so don't forget to bring sunblock, hats and shades. 

Date: Sunday, September 14.

Time: 10:00 a.m. - 5:00 p.m.

Location: Starts at Avenida César E. Chávez , and corner of Mednik Ave. and ends at Gave Ave.