Photo of the 2009 parade by Christian Millan (full gallery here).
10:50am | Grand Marshals have been announced for the upcoming 2nd annual Latin American Parade & Festival, to be held in the streets of downtown Long Beach around 1:00pm on Saturday, September 25. Last year’s inaugural event drew thousands of people who watched the parade and stuck around for live music and fun activities at the festival.
Spanish singer Shaila Durcal will headline the parade as Celebrity Marshal. A pop idol from Spain and well known throughout Latin America, Durcal has released four albums including Recordando, her most popular.
The parade’s Grand Marshal will be Port of Long Beach Harbor Commissioner Mario Cordero, joined by Community Marshals Jessica Quintana of Centro CHA and former pro cyclist and Long Beach Bicycle Ambassador Tony Cruz, who shared his vision for the future of biking in Long Beach with the lbpost.com in 2009 (click here for that article).
“This is a great opportunity to recognize the incredible talent, enthusiasm and commitment of these Latino leaders,” said Councilmember Robert Garcia, who planned the event from conception last year. “I don’t think we could have chosen people more deserving of this honor.”
Like last year, the parade will run down Pine Avenue from 6th Street to Broadway and conclude in the East Village Arts District with music, dancing and an arts festival. The day is being held with help from sponsor Downtown Long Beach Associates (DLBA).
The public is invited to an open reception to honor the Parade Marshals on Wednesday, September 8 at Hotel Maya from 6:00-8:00pm. RSVP to Cory Allen at [email protected] if you plan to attend. Visit downtownlongbeach.org for more information on the Latin American Parade & Festival.