News Summary
Los Angeles and Orange counties will commemorate the 215th anniversary of El Grito de Dolores with events centered around the theme ‘Viva La Resistencia.’ Activities include performances by popular musical groups, food vendors, and a parade featuring retired NASA astronaut José M. Hernández as grand marshal. These celebrations aim to honor Mexican heritage while addressing current immigration concerns, highlighting the significance of resistance in today’s context. Community participation will range from traditional foods to cultural showcases throughout the weekend.
Los Angeles – Multiple commemorations for the 215th anniversary of El Grito de Dolores are set to occur in Los Angeles and Orange counties this weekend, featuring a unified theme of “Viva La Resistencia” or “Long Live Resistance.” The events, scheduled for Saturday and Sunday, aim to celebrate Mexican heritage while also addressing concerns about current federal immigration policies.
The main event will take place at the Los Angeles City Hall and Gloria Molina Grand Park on Saturday, commencing at 5 p.m. This year, the commemoration is hosted by Councilwoman Eunisses Hernandez, highlighting the importance of recognizing resistance, particularly in the context of the aggressive enforcement of illegal immigration laws by the federal government. Current immigration policies, aligned with those of the previous administration, continue to be a major concern for the local community.
The event is expected to feature a vibrant array of activities, including live performances by popular musical groups such as Banda Machos, Los Colibri, Las Cafeteras, and Banda Las Angelinas. Attendees will also have access to food trucks, various vendors, a resource fair, and thrilling lucha libre wrestling matches, all contributing to a festival atmosphere.
In addition to the main event in Los Angeles, San Fernando will host its own El Grito commemoration starting at 6 p.m. on Saturday. This celebration will showcase traditional foods, a classic car show, and additional entertainment options for participants.
On Sunday at 10 a.m., the 79th annual East Los Angeles Mexican Independence Day Parade will commence, featuring a parade route that starts and finishes in East Los Angeles. Retired NASA astronaut José M. Hernández is set to be the grand marshal for this prominent celebration, recognized as the oldest and largest Latino parade in the nation. Accompanying this parade will be a festival running from 11 a.m. to 5 p.m., further enriching the weekend’s festivities.
Alongside the parade, Olvera Street will commemorate El Grito on Sunday, beginning at 6 p.m. with a lineup of musical performances, cultural activities, giveaways, and food offerings. Furthermore, the Downey Theatre will host a series of mariachi and folklorico performances on Sunday starting at 5 p.m.
Santa Ana will also join the celebrations with a fiesta that spans from noon to 11 p.m. on Saturday and from noon to 10 p.m. on Sunday, complete with a street fair, live music, and a variety of cultural performances.
The historical significance of El Grito de Dolores dates back to September 16, 1810, when Catholic priest Miguel Hidalgo y Costilla issued the call for independence from Spain. The event marked the beginning of the Mexican War of Independence, ultimately leading to the Declaration of Independence of the Mexican Empire, signed on September 28, 1821. Each year, the commemorations serve not only as a celebration of Mexican culture and history but also as a rallying point for Latino communities, especially in light of ongoing immigration uncertainty and challenges.
As communities come together to honor this significant historical moment, the events for this anniversary provide a platform for solidarity and cultural expression amidst contemporary issues affecting many in the Latino community.
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Additional Resources
- MyNewsLA
- NBC Los Angeles
- ABC7
- Wikipedia: El Grito de Dolores
- Encyclopedia Britannica: Mexican War of Independence
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.
