Salvadoran community hosts cultural parade and festival in L.A.

With the beginning of National Hispanic Heritage Month in the United States, from Sept. 15 to Oct. 15, several events are being announced. 

One of them is the DEFISAL parade and festival in Los Angeles, which will take place on Sept. 20 starting at 10 a.m. on the corner of Western Ave. and Hollywood Blvd. in East Hollywood.

Philanthropists, entrepreneurs and community members gathered on Wednesday evening to announce the celebration of the 205th Anniversary of the Independence of Central America and Mexico. 

As they do it every year, DEFISAL Foundation will host the event for the 27th year. DEFISAL is an organization focused on maintaining the tradition of celebrating the Salvadoran Independence parade and festival, serving as an enduring reminder of cultural roots, civic spirit, industriousness and joy of the Salvadoran people.

The parade and festival were canceled last year due to the massive immigration raids taking place throughout the region. However, during the press conference on Wednesday, organizers said they decided to move on with the festivities this year.  

Oscar Gil, founder and organizer of DEFISAL, said they are aware of this constant fear but people should come out and celebrate their heritage. 

“Let’s not be afraid to come out to the streets,” said Gil. “We have to show our pride and value.”

Silvia Gil, Oscar’s wife and co-founder of DEFISAL, said she is very hopeful everything will be ok. 

“Last year there weren't many community events, but we can’t live in a bubble and we have to try to continue as normal as possible and pray for God’s help,” she said. “I have seen previous events happening already and everything is OK.” 

After the parade, a festival takes place at Iglesia Inmaculada de Los Angeles parking lot. Silvia said they were able to secure this place and in a way it’s the best option since this is considered a safe, closed location. It won’t be a street festival. 

Consul General of El Salvador in Los Angeles, Alejandro Letona, recognized this event as especially important because Los Angeles is home to the largest Salvadoran community outside of El Salvador. 

He said they are very happy to represent Salvadoran and Central American culture in Los Angeles.

“Congratulations for keeping alive our patriotic colors year after year, with this symbolic parade in Hollywood Blvd.,” he said, recognizing also the national bird, the torogoz (turquoise-browed Motmot). “This parade allows us, Salvadorans, to be in the public eye in the heart of Hollywood.” 

Every year, the parade includes the DEFISAL queen, a Salvadoran woman who shows family values and a successful professional career. 

This year, the DEFISAL Queen will be Salvadoran entrepreneur and TV presenter Celsa Arbaiza.

Other queens present will include the Queen of Commerce, the Cultural Queen and "Miss Chiquitita" (Little Miss), who are also awarded.

Oscar Gil said the Salvadoran roots started many years ago in Los Angeles and they feel it is their responsibility to keep them alive through culture and representation. 

In Aug. 2015, the DEFISAL Parade received official recognition during a formal session at the State Capitol in Sacramento, California.