Guadalupe Marks Mexico’s Independence Day with Parade and Festivities | Local News

Sunday’s celebration in Guadalupe was the first in two years following the COVID-19 pandemic.

Many arrived at 11 a.m. to secure a place in the shade, bringing chairs or sitting on the sidewalk. They waited patiently for the tribute to begin, many families with young and old children. Teenagers, women, old people, different generations.

Camelia Ortiz-Alvarez, 44, of the Mexican Civic Committee, said preparations began six months ago.

“Our culture is our pride. We grew up here in Guadalupe. The teachers brought us here for the parade on September 16, there were no classes. Later, there were school trips to come to this celebration,” she said.

Jenny Flores, 40, from El Salvador, was there with her husband and two children.

“We have the same Independence Day in our country. But instead of a parade, we have bands playing and girls dancing behind the bands. Schools also participate,” she said.

For Leticia Molina, 60, Sunday’s show was her first after leaving Palmdale last year.

“I love seeing riders dance their horses,” she said.

And under a breezeless scorching sun, the crowd of several hundred enjoyed the parade led by the Guadalupe Police Department, followed by the Chumash Color Guard, the City of Guadalupe Fire Department and council members. , members of the Ernest Righetti High School Warrior Marching Band, Guadalupe Café, Charros El Arenal, Kiwanis Club of Guadalupe, Little House by the Park, Charros Cuadra Guadalupe, Guadalupe Bulldogs Youth Football League and their little cheerleaders, Rancho Los Berros , Touch of Style and the Mexican Civic Committee.

A festival followed the procession at Veterans Memorial Plaza with the traditional “Grito” given by don Arturo Ortiz, accompanied by Juanita and Jose Nichols, distinguished members of the community who have participated in the event for many years.

There were Mexican folk dancers from Folclórico El Padrecito, with colorful dresses, Grupo Aries, Los Compas de Guadalupe and Xihuacoatl Danza Azteca. There were also a few booths offering information about community health centers and the Santa Maria Sunrisers Lions holding a fundraiser.