Colorful parade floats, charros on horseback and live music will take over Cesar E. Chavez Avenue on Sunday for the 80th East LA Mexican Independence Day Parade.
For decades, organizers have brought together community leaders, performers, businesses and organizations to celebrate culture, community and tradition. This year, the parade will culminate in a festival with family-friendly activations, including live music, local vendors and lucha libre.
This year’s co-grand marshals are singer and actor Dasahev López Saavedra, better known as El Dasa, and Los Angeles County Supervisor Hilda Solis.
Here’s everything you need to know.
When is the parade and festival?
The parade runs from 10 a.m. to 1 p.m. on Sunday, Sept. 13. The festival takes place from 11 a.m. to 4 p.m. on First Street and Mednik Avenue.
What’s the parade route?
The 1.5-mile route will run along Cesar E. Chavez Avenue, starting at Mednik Avenue and ending on Gage Avenue. You can find a map of the parade route and other festivities on the festival’s webpage here. Early arrival is suggested to secure a viewing spot for the parade.
What streets will be closed?
- Mednik Avenue: Between 1st Street and Cesar E. Chavez from 5 p.m. Saturday, Sept. 12 to 9 p.m. Sunday, Sept. 13
- Cesar E. Chavez Avenue: Between Vancouver Avenue and Gage Avenue from 6 a.m. to 3 p.m. Sunday, Sept. 13
What can I expect at the festivities?
The parade will feature floats, show cars, representatives from Eastside organizations, equestrian teams, marching bands and folklórico dancers.
The festival will include vendors, musical performances, resource booths, a pop-up from local boutique The Goddess Mercado, a free pet vaccination clinic that will administer free vaccines for the first 200 pets, and a free lucha libre showcase by East Los Lucha.
Where can I park?
Limited free parking will be available at the East LA Civic Center lot located on E. 3rd Street and Civic Center Way. Attendees can also find street parking in the surrounding area.
Can I take public transit to the event?
The Metro E Line’s East LA Civic Center station is just a short walk from the event.
What if I don’t want to attend in person?
If you’re unable to attend or want to watch the parade from home, you can tune in to the live broadcast on ABC7.
For more information, check out the website here.
