A Colorful Show of Mexican Pride

Chinelos are a kind of traditional costumed dancer which is popular in the Mexican state of Morelos. It developed as the result of a blending of indigenous and Catholic traditions, the masks being a mockery of European customs. They are shown here at the annual East Los Angeles Mexican Independence Day Parade and Festival, held on Sunday, Sept. 10th, 2023.(Akemi Rico | The Corsair)

Chinelos are a kind of traditional costumed dancer which is popular in the Mexican state of Morelos. It developed as the result of a blending of indigenous and Catholic traditions, the masks being a mockery of European customs. They are shown here at the annual East Los Angeles Mexican Independence Day Parade and Festival, held on Sunday, Sept. 10th, 2023.(Akemi Rico | The Corsair)

Los Angeles Mayor Karen Bass was in attendance at the annual Mexican Independence Day Parade; seen here riding on the parade route on Sunday, Sept. 10th, 2023, on Cesar Chavez Blvd. in East Los Angeles. (Akemi Rico | The Corsair)

Even the horses showed off their dance moves as they marched in the Mexican Independence Day Parade in East Los Angeles on Sunday, Sept. 10th, 2023. (Akemi Rico | The Corsair)

The annual East Los Angeles Mexican Independence Day Parade and Festival was held on Sunday, Sept. 10th, 2023. Representatives from many of Mexico's 32 states presented costumes, music and dances specific to their individual culture. (Akemi Rico | The Corsair)

The annual East Los Angeles Mexican Independence Day Parade and Festival was held on Sunday, Sept. 10th, 2023. Representatives from many of Mexico's 32 states presented costumes, music and dances specific to their individual culture. (Akemi Rico | The Corsair)

The Grand Marshal of the annual East Los Angeles Mexican Independence Day Parade is Mark Consuelos, actor, producer and "Live with Kelly and Mark" co-host; seen here riding on the parade route on Sunday, Sept. 10th, 2023, on Cesar Chavez Blvd. in East Los Angeles. (Akemi Rico | The Corsair)

A dancer from the Chiapas contingent wearing a traditional dress with her face painted as a jaguar, a threatened species endemic to the Chiapas region. (Akemi Rico | The Corsair)

Cathedral City High School dancers performing live at the East LA Mexican Independence Parade on September 10, 2023. (Akemi Rico | The Corsair)

Cathedral City High School dancers performing live at the East LA Mexican Independence Parade on September 10, 2023. (Akemi Rico | The Corsair)

The Mexican and United States flags flying high over participants in the Mexican Independence Day Parade in East Los Angeles on Sunday, Sept. 10th, 2023. (Akemi RIco | The Corsair)

The annual East Los Angeles Mexican Independence Day Parade and Festival was held on Sunday, Sept. 10th, 2023. Representatives from many of Mexico's 32 states presented costumes, music and dances specific to their individual culture. (Akemi Rico | The Corsair)

The annual East Los Angeles Mexican Independence Day Parade and Festival was held on Sunday, Sept. 10th, 2023. Representatives from many of Mexico's 32 states presented costumes, music and dances specific to their individual culture. This drummer is providing the music for Aztec dancers. (Akemi Rico | The Corsair)

Reina Fiestas Patrias Frida Megia's reflection is seen in a hand mirror as she browses jewelry at vendor Hazel Rios' booth, "Curios Mirabelle" at the annual East Los Angeles Mexican Independence Day Festival, held on Sunday, Sept. 10th, 2023. (Akemi Rico | The Corsair)

The annual East Los Angeles Mexican Independence Day Parade and Festival was held on Sunday, Sept. 10th, 2023. Representatives from many of Mexico's 32 states presented costumes, music and dances specific to their individual culture. (Akemi Rico | The Corsair)

Participants in the Mexican Independence Day Parade demonstrate a rich cultural heritage through music, dance, and performance.

On Sunday, Sept. 10, 2023, East Los Angeles was infused with vibrant sights and sounds traditional to Mexico, creating an atmosphere rich with cultural resonance. Trumpeting mariachi bands, Aztec drumming, the clip-clopping of horses hooves, revving car engines and thousands of people enjoying the spectacle could be heard all along Cesar Chavez Blvd., from Belvedere Park to Gage Ave. 

The East Los Angeles Mexican Independence Day Parade and Festival has been held yearly since 1946 as a way to commemorate Mexican history and the people of Mexican heritage that live in Los Angeles. In its 77th iteration, this year's theme was "Empowering Latina Women In Our Community." 

To display the diverse array of cultures in the country, representatives from many of Mexico’s 32 states presented costumes, music and dances specific to their region. Local businesses, public organizations and schools from Los Angeles participated, providing features such as marching bands, cheerleaders, vintage cars, bicycles and a skate ramp. 

The result was a colorful cacophony of Mexican pride, culminating in a festival complete with a stage and  a variety of retail booths and food vendors. Mother Diluvina Ramirez and daughter Jaylene Ramirez were browsing the vendors at the festival after the parade. “We just came out to see what was going on. We heard that the street was closed,” said the younger Ramirez. 

“We wanted to get a little bit of the different heritage that comes from different parts of Mexico,” Jaylene added. “And you got a lot of community information as well. We got a shirt for my grandma, since our family is from Oaxaca. It was nice to get something like that here.”