Independence Celebration

Here is a summary of events scheduled in Santa Ana this week to commemorate Mexican Independence Day. Las Fiestas Patrias de Independencia de la Calle Cuatro (or 4th Street Patriotic Party for Independence) is sponsored by the Santa Ana Business Assn.

The fiesta begins this afternoon and runs until Sunday night. Parking is available at lots and structures around the Civic Center area.

1. A parade with floats and marching bands will begin at 1 p.m. Sunday at the corner of 17th and Main streets and wind its way along Main to 4th Street. Entertainers, including Mexican soap opera star Ernesto Laguardia, are scheduled to attend.

2. Eight bicycle races are scheduled to run from 7:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. Saturday on a course around the Santa Ana Civic Center. Riders, who will compete for a $6,000 grand prize, must be affiliated with the United States Cycling Federation in order to enter.

3. Ethnic foods and drinks will be available at the 4th Street promenade. Mariachis and other entertainers will perform.

4. An “El Grito” ceremony, in which the symbolic bell of freedom is sounded by Latin American dignitaries, will take place at the corner of Sycamore and 4th streets at 6 p.m. Sunday.