City of Santa Ana to celebrate Hispanic heritage at Fiestas Patrias festival and parade Sept. 12-13

Santa Ana, Calif. - The City of Santa Ana will honor Mexican Independence Day and the cultures, traditions and contributions of Hispanic and Latino communities at its annual Fiestas Patrias festival and parade on Saturday, Sept. 12, and Sunday, Sept. 13, in Downtown Santa Ana. This family-friendly weekend celebration is free and open to the public.

Residents and visitors are invited to enjoy two days of live entertainment, artisan and community vendors, authentic food, carnival rides, a beer garden and cultural activities. The celebration will also feature the traditional El Grito de Independencia ceremony on Saturday, Sept. 12, at 7 p.m. and the annual Fiestas Patrias parade on Sunday, Sept. 13, at 11 a.m.

"Our Fiestas Patrias celebration is a cherished tradition that brings our community together to honor Mexican independence and our rich Latino heritage," said Mayor Valerie Amezcua. "We invite everyone to experience the vibrant energy, incredible music and cultural pride that make this weekend so special."

Saturday, Sept. 12 | Noon-11 p.m.

Saturday's festivities will feature carnival rides, artisan and community vendors, food, live entertainment and a beer garden open from noon to 9:30 p.m.

Main stage performances include:

• 4 p.m. - Banda La Prestigiosa
• 5 p.m. - Lety Lopez
• 6 p.m. - Los Cadetes de Linares
• 7 p.m. - El Grito de Independencia ceremony
• 8 p.m. - Grupo Escolta
• 9 p.m. - Lorenzo Mendez con Banda

At 7 p.m., the City will host the ceremonial El Grito de Independencia on the festival's main stage. The ceremony commemorates the traditional call to arms dating to 1810 and celebrates the anniversary of Mexico's fight for independence. Mexico's official El Grito ceremony is traditionally held Sept. 15, on the eve of Mexican Independence Day.

Sunday, Sept. 13 | Parade @ 11 a.m.-1 p.m.; festival @ noon-10 p.m.

Sunday's celebration begins with the annual Fiestas Patrias parade from 11 a.m. to 1 p.m. along Main Street. Colorful floats, community groups, local schools, cultural organizations and lively performances will fill the street in celebration of Mexican Independence and Latino heritage.

See the parade route here.

For those unable to attend in person, the Fiestas Patrias parade will be livestreamed on the City's official YouTube channel and Spectrum TV Channel 3.

The festival continues from noon to 10 p.m. with carnival rides, artisan and community vendors, authentic food, live entertainment and the beer garden, which will remain open until 8:30 p.m.

Main stage performances include:

• 3 p.m. - Tina Aldana Band
• 4 p.m. - Los de Santa Ana
• 5 p.m. - Elia Fery
• 6 p.m. - Joan y Su Elite
• 7 p.m. - Los Rojos
• 8 p.m. - Mariachi Los Camperos
• 9 p.m. - Legado 7

The Fiestas Patrias beer garden will be open from noon to 9:30 p.m. on Saturday, Sept. 12, and from noon to 8:30 p.m. on Sunday, Sept. 13. A $5 wristband is required for entry and guests must be 21 or older with a valid ID. Beer is sold separately.

Parking locations, the event map and street closure information will be announced closer to the event. For more information, visit the official Santa Ana Fiestas Patrias website.

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About Santa Ana

Santa Ana is the downtown for world-famous Orange County, California. As the county seat, it is home to a vibrant evening scene, a thriving arts community and national corporate headquarters. City employees work daily to deliver efficient public services, ensure public safety, foster economic prosperity and maintain a high quality of life for all residents. Learn more at santa-ana.gov.