Downtown Long Beach will be taken over this weekend when the Inaugural Latin America Parade & Festival marches into town, with authentic music, dancing, cuisine and more following in its wake. The event – which celebrates all Latin American cultures – will begin this Saturday when the parade starts at 3:00pm on Pine & 7th, and continues down Pine to Broadway, concluding on Elm & 1st. There, the festival will begin and last deep into the night. A full list of events can be found by clicking here.
Senator Jenny Oropeza will serve as Grand Marshall of the event. In a recent statement, she expressed pride in accepting her designation.
“I am deeply grateful for the many committed, hardworking role models that preceded me. I’m talking about our family members, teachers, community leaders and countless others who shaped our community’s character with their honor, integrity, sweat and guts. This event honors them. On behalf of the California Legislature, including its 26 Latino members, and as a locally elected public servant since 1988, I remain truly humbled by the leadership and commitment of Latinos to leave a better world for our children. May we be inspired for years to come as we celebrate each September to mark their triumphs. Si, se puede!”
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