East Los Angeles hosts 80th Mexican Independence Day Parade

The 80th annual East Los Angeles Mexican Independence Day Parade and Festival is scheduled for Sunday, Sept. 13. Described as the largest and longest-running parade of its kind in the United States, the event celebrates Mexican culture and tradition.

The parade will follow a 1.5-mile route along Cesar E. Chavez Avenue, starting at Mednik Avenue and ending at Gage Avenue. The procession is expected to run from 10 a.m. to 1 p.m., featuring marching bands, folklórico dancers, equestrian teams, and various floats. The event will be broadcast live on ABC7.

Following the parade, a festival will be held on First Street and Mednik Avenue from 11 a.m. to 4 p.m., offering live music, local food vendors, and family-friendly activities. This year’s co-grand marshals are singer and actor El Dasa (Dasahev López Saavedra) and Los Angeles County Supervisor Hilda Solis.

Local authorities have announced street closures to accommodate the festivities. Mednik Avenue will be closed between 1st Street and Cesar E. Chavez starting the evening of Sept. 12, while Cesar E. Chavez Avenue will be closed between Vancouver Avenue and Gage Avenue on Sunday morning.