News Summary
Southern California is preparing to celebrate Mexican Independence Day with various cultural events starting September 15. Key highlights include the Fiesta Patrias in Santa Ana and the East Los Angeles Parade. The festivities promise family-friendly activities featuring traditional music, dance, and food. Additionally, the Academy Museum will debut ‘Jaws: The Exhibition’ while the Maritime Festival in Dana Point showcases maritime culture with numerous engaging activities for all ages. The celebrations reflect the region’s vibrant cultural diversity and community spirit.
Los Angeles, California – Southern California is gearing up for a festive celebration of Mexican Independence Day, kicking off on September 15, coinciding with the start of Hispanic Heritage Month. A series of cultural events will showcase Mexican traditions, arts, and community spirit across various locations, offering residents and visitors alike a chance to partake in this vibrant heritage.
The two main highlights of the celebrations include the Fiesta Patrias in Santa Ana and the East Los Angeles Mexican Independence Day Parade and Festival, both taking place on September 14. These events are free to attend and promise a family-friendly environment where attendees can enjoy traditional music, dance, and food.
On the same day, the CicLAvia event in Historic South Central and Watts will transform streets into a car-free zone, encouraging participants to bike, walk, and skate. Scheduled stops along South Central Avenue will feature landmarks, public art, and local restaurants, including a hub at the Jazz Park Hub, enriching the cultural experience of the day.
In addition to these festive events, the Academy Museum will showcase Jaws: The Exhibition, opening on September 14. This exhibition features hundreds of artifacts from the iconic film, which will run until July 26, 2026, drawing film enthusiasts and families alike.
Another significant performance, The Cortège, will explore themes of grief and remembrance at the Los Angeles Equestrian Center in Burbank on select September dates during dusk, providing a reflective cultural offering amidst the celebratory atmosphere.
Beyond Mexican Independence Day, Southern California will also host the 41st Annual Maritime Festival from September 12 to 14 in Dana Point. This festival celebrates maritime culture with various activities, including cannon battles, tall ship tours, mermaid encounters, and pirate school, designed for all ages. While some festival events are free to attend, others require tickets, ensuring a broad range of participation levels.
The Maritime Festival kicks off with the “Sails ’N Ales” Craft Beer Kick-off Party on September 12 from 6:00 to 10:00 p.m., where entry is $10, and tasting cards can be purchased for $12. Throughout the festival, cannon battles will occur from 3:30 to 7:30 p.m. from September 12 to 14, with tickets priced at $80.
Family-oriented activities include the School for Scallywags on September 13 and 14, alongside the Mermaids & Mateys Breakfast, where guests can enjoy brunch with pirates and mermaids for $70 per adult and child. A Festival Adventure Pass offers an all-day activity experience for $20 for adults, $18.50 for seniors, and $17 for children. Free pirate adventure shows will entertain attendees at 10:15 a.m. and 1:15 p.m. on both days.
The Maritime Festival is strongly supported by local sponsors, organizations, and volunteers, fostering a sense of community engagement. Events also provide special consideration for active service members and veterans, who can enjoy complimentary admission. To ease parking challenges, festival organizers highly recommend using free shuttle services from Dana Hills High School.
With a commitment to continue the Maritime Festival as an annual tradition, the Ocean Institute aims to highlight California’s rich maritime heritage while supporting educational programs through the funds raised from this community event. As the festivities unfold across Southern California, the region embraces its cultural diversity and shared history.
Deeper Dive: News & Info About This Topic
HERE Resources
Santa Ana Hosts 45th Annual Fiestas Patrias Celebration
Music and Cultural Events in Orange County This Week
Southern California Celebrates Mexican Independence Day
Orange County Welcomes New Culinary and Seafood Experiences
Rooftop Dining Experiences for Independence Day in Orange County
Additional Resources
- Dana Point Times
- Pasadena Star News
- Fullerton Observer
- NBC Los Angeles
- The Log
- Wikipedia: Maritime Festival
- Google Search: Maritime Festival Dana Point
- Google Scholar: Maritime Festival Dana Point
- Encyclopedia Britannica: Maritime Festival
- Google News: Maritime Festival Dana Point
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.
