Posted on September 17, 2012

Plenty of Mexican Independence Day Options This Weekend

Ron Gonzales, OC Register, September 13, 2012

Among celebrations taking place are festivals in Santa Ana, Anaheim, Placentia and Los Alamitos.

FIESTAS PATRIAS

Santa Ana’s 34th annual Fiestas Patrias celebration, commemorating Mexico’s independence, takes place this weekend. More than 265,000 people are expected to attend.

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EL GRITO CEREMONY

What: The traditional El Grito ceremony, recalling the call for independence from Spain by Mexican priest Miguel Hidalgo y Costilla.

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Who: Mexican Consul Alejandra Garcia Williams.

Where: Main stage, Fourth and French streets.

PARADE

What: The Fiestas Patrias parade begins at 15th and Main streets and proceeds south on Main before turning on Civic Center Drive toward Santa Ana Stadium. More than 50,000 are expected to watch it. It features 61 units, some with multiple elements.

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OC FILM FIESTA

Santa Ana’s OC Film Fiesta wraps up with screenings Friday through Sunday. Admission is free.

“The Greenhorns,” a documentary on young farm families, 1 p.m. on Saturday, Sept. 15, Orange County Center for Contemporary Art, 117 North Sycamore St.

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“Tales of Masked Men,” a documentary about Mexican wrestling, 7 p.m. on Sunday, Sept. 16, Orange County Center for Contemporary Art.

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ELSEWHERE

What: Hispanic Heritage Month Fiesta, with folklorico music, mariachi and children’s crafts and story time.

Where: Placentia Library, 411 E. Chapman Ave, Civic Center Plaza

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What: Fiestas Patrias/Latino Independence Day celebration, incorporating various Latin American independence days, with Mexican and Bolivian folklorico dancers, mariachis, a jaripeo horse show and food.

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What: Mexican Independence Day Fiesta. Frank Garcia of La Casa Garcia Restaurant in Anaheim and We Give Thanks is organizing an event with children’s games, entertainment, music, opportunity baskets and food.

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