Pop Star Juan Gabriel to Lead Mexican Independence Parade

Los Angeles’ 38th annual Mexican Independence Parade, commemorating the 185th anniversary of the country’s liberation, will be held at 1 p.m. Sunday in East Los Angeles and is expected to draw a crowd of at least half a million.

Grand marshal for the parade is Latin pop star Juan Gabriel, who will be performing his songs with an 11-piece mariachi band along the 2 1/2-mile parade route. He will be accompanied by co-grand marshals boxer Julio Cesar Chavez and Channel 34 news anchor Eduardo Quezada Escandon.

The theme of the parade is “Unity: History, Culture and Progress.”

“Even though this is a Mexican celebration, other Central American countries that are celebrating their independence this month are joining,” said parade director Rafael Abdo.

“With Juan Gabriel, we’re making history,” says Irene Wongpec, one of the directors of the event, which is sponsored by the nonprofit Mexican Civic Patriotic Committee. “There’s going to be a lot of music and color, and for the first time the Mexican Consulate and the Los Angeles Post Office will have floats, “ she added.

Also joining the parade will be Los Angeles Mayor Richard Riordan, City Councilmen Richard Alatorre and Mike Hernandez, Supervisor Gloria Molina and state Sen. Hilda Solis (D-El Monte).

The starting point of the parade, which will be televised by KMEX, will be at Lorena and 1st streets. It will proceed east, ending at Cesar Chavez Boulevard and Mednick Avenue.