This weekend, Los Angeles will celebrate Mexican Independence Day, with East L.A. hosting its beloved annual parade for the 80th time. The longtime tradition has brought generations of Angelenos together since 1946, celebrating Mexican culture, heritage and community pride with one of the largest and longest-running Mexican Independence Day parades in the U.S.
Mexican Independence Day Parade street closures
The massive event is taking place Sunday, September 13, from 10 a.m. to 1 p.m., traveling 1.5 miles east along Cesar E. Chavez Avenue. The route begins at Mednik Avenue and ends at Gage Avenue, with floats, equestrian groups, folklórico dancers, marching bands and community organizations filling the route.
If you’re driving in or around the area, the biggest disruption comes from two closures. Mednik Avenue between 1st Street and Cesar E. Chavez Avenue will be closed from 5 p.m. Saturday, September 12, through 9 p.m. Sunday, September 13. Then, on Sunday, Cesar E. Chavez Avenue between Vancouver Avenue and Gage Avenue will be closed from 6 a.m. to 3 p.m.
That means the road closures will begin before the parade itself, so anyone who normally drives through this part of East L.A. should plan an alternate route. Organizers specifically advise residents, vendors and anyone hosting a viewing party to arrive before 6 a.m. Sunday or the evening before to avoid getting caught behind the roadblocks.
How to get to the Mexican Independence Day Parade
Public transportation is likely your easiest option. The East L.A. Civic Center Station, located at 3rd Street and Mednik Avenue, is within walking distance of the festivities, and organizers recommend using Metro or a navigation app to plan your trip.
If you’re driving, limited free parking is available at the East L.A. Civic Center, 4801 E. 3rd St., with additional street parking available where permitted.
The celebration goes beyond the parade
The festivities continue after the procession with a free festival from 11 a.m. to 4 p.m. around Mednik Avenue between 1st Street and Cesar E. Chavez Avenue. The city lists the event as free and family-friendly, with Mexican food, live music, traditional performances and activities throughout the day.
There will also be live lucha libre, including a free showcase by East Los Lucha, plus local vendors, resource booths and a pop-up from The Goddess Mercado. A free pet vaccination clinic will also offer vaccines to the first 200 pets.
This year’s parade will also feature El Dasa and Los Angeles County Supervisor Hilda Solis as co-grand marshals.
And if you want the celebration without the traffic headache, ABC7 will broadcast the parade live from 10 a.m. to noon, both on television and through its streaming platforms.
