News Summary
This Sunday, Santa Ana will host its fourth annual festival celebrating Chicano heritage with performances by legendary Latin bands and cultural activities. The event aims to highlight the contributions of the Chicano community, featuring live music, traditional dances, food options, and a designated kid-zone. Iconic performers like Thee Midniters and El Chicano will grace the stage alongside notable leaders from the Chicano Civil Rights Movement. As August marks Chicano Heritage Month, this festival promises to foster community pride and cultural appreciation.
Santa Ana is set to host a vibrant festival this Sunday, celebrating Chicano heritage with an array of activities and performances. The event will take place from 2 to 7 p.m. at Centennial Park and is designed to be a free, family-friendly celebration. This marks the festival’s fourth year of honoring the culture, history, and contributions of the Chicano community in the city.
The festival will feature headline performances by iconic Latin rock and soul bands from the 1960s, including Thee Midniters and El Chicano. Organizers emphasize the significance of showcasing original artists rather than cover bands, enriching the experience for attendees. Additionally, guests of the festival will include notable leaders from the Chicano Civil Rights Movement, such as Vickie Castro, renowned for her role in the 1968 East Los Angeles high school walkouts, alongside members of the Guzmán family who played a significant role in the landmark Mendez v. Westminster case that effectively ended school segregation in California.
The festival program is set to kick off at 1:30 p.m. with a traditional Aztec dance performed by Danza Azteca Xochipilli. A classic car cruise will begin at 1:50 p.m. departing from West Centennial Road, setting the tone for a nostalgic celebration. Throughout the event, attendees will have the chance to enjoy a designated “kid-zone” filled with family-themed activities, cultural exhibits, and a wide array of food options. Participants are encouraged to bring their own lawn chairs, blankets, and canopies for a comfortable picnic atmosphere while enjoying live music.
Musical performances will include acts such as The Desperados, Diamond Ortiz, Zackey Force Funk, and classic rhythm and blues group Pachuco Jose y Los Diamantes. In addition to the musical entertainment, classic cars will be prominently displayed for the duration of the festival, adding to the nostalgic ambiance of the gathering.
Santa Ana officially recognized August as Chicano Heritage Month in 2021, marking a significant milestone as it became the first city in Orange County to do so. The acknowledgment aims to shed light on the rich cultural history and ongoing contributions of the Chicano community to the local landscape. Councilmember Johnathan Hernandez, one of the festival organizers, highlights the importance of engaging the community in meaningful celebrations of their heritage.
The celebration encapsulates the values of community unity and cultural pride, making it a pivotal event for the city of Santa Ana. With engaging activities and historical recognition, the festival promises to be an uplifting experience for all attendees, reflecting the spirit and resilience of the Chicano community.
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Additional Resources
- OC Register: Honoring the 60’s – Santa Ana’s 4th Chicano Heritage Festival
- Los Angeles Times: Santa Ana Creates Emergency Fund
- NBC Los Angeles: Hispanic Heritage Month
- Wikipedia: Chicano
- Encyclopedia Britannica: Chicano
Author: STAFF HERE COSTA MESA WRITER
COSTA MESA STAFF WRITER The COSTA MESA STAFF WRITER represents the experienced team at HERECostaMesa.com, your go-to source for actionable local news and information in Costa Mesa, Orange County, and beyond. Specializing in "news you can use," we cover essential topics like product reviews for personal and business needs, local business directories, politics, real estate trends, neighborhood insights, and state news affecting the area—with deep expertise drawn from years of dedicated reporting and strong community input, including local press releases and business updates. We deliver top reporting on high-value events such as the OC Fair, Concerts in the Park, and Fish Fry. Our coverage extends to key organizations like the Costa Mesa Chamber of Commerce and Boys & Girls Clubs of Central Orange Coast, plus leading businesses in retail, fashion, and technology that power the local economy such as Vans, Experian, and South Coast Plaza. As part of the broader HERE network, including HEREAnaheim.com, HEREBeverlyHills.com, HERECoronado.com, HEREHollywood.com, HEREHuntingtonBeach.com, HERELongBeach.com, HERELosAngeles.com, HEREMissionViejo.com, HERESanDiego.com, and HERESantaAna.com, we provide comprehensive, credible insights into California's dynamic landscape.
