Latino Heritage, the organization that celebrates the history, arts, and culture of Latinos in Pasadena and the San Gabriel Valley, will hold the 14th Annual Latino Heritage Parade and jamaica on Saturday, October 6, 2012 in Pasadena.
More than 1,500 children, families and residents are expected to attend the partner events, held in Pasadena’s northwest neighborhood.
The parade begins at the intersection of Los Robles and Howard Street, turns west on Washington Blvd. and continues to the jamaica at La Pintoresca Library and Park at Washington and Fair Oaks Avenue.
This year’s theme of Planting Dreams: Sembrando Sueños celebrates 1840-1860 era, when the culture, government and lifestyle were altered by the incorporation of California into the United States.
Leading the parade as grand marshal is celebrated author and scholar David Hayes-Bautista, Professor of Medicine and Director of the Center for the Study of Latino Health and Culture at the School of Medicine, UCLA. Following the parade, Dr. Hayes-Bautista will sign copies of his latest book, El Cinco de Mayo: An American Tradition, published in 2012, which examines the holiday that was created by Latinos in California and the West during the mid-19th century to commemorate the Battle of Puebla in Mexico.
The parade leads to the jamaica (pronounced ha-my-ca) as traditional community fairs are called in Spanish. The jamaica, at Pasadena’s La Pintoresca Park and Library, features arts and crafts for preschoolers and teens, historical displays, ballet folkórico, food, storytellers and book signings by local authors.
The parade’s Community Grand Marshal this year is Pasadena restaurateur Abel Ramirez, a longtime supporter of Pasadena area arts, culture and schools. His restaurants, El Portal, Yahaira’s Café and Vanessa’s Café have been named “Best Yucatán & Mexican Restaurant in Pasadena” and “Best Margaritas & Best Selection of Premium Tequilas” by Pasadena Weekly. The recipient of this year’s Doña Eulalia Award, which honors Eulalia Pérez de Mariné, is Superintendent Steven Gray, Ph.D. representing Pasadena Christian School. They are receiving the award from their continued support of the Latino Heritage Parade and jamaica.
Free arts and crafts workshops are offered by the Armory Center for the Arts, Latino Heritage, Marshall High School Puente students, and the Human Services and Recreation of the City of Pasadena.
The parade and jamaica are sponsored by Latino Heritage, a volunteer organization that promotes cultural events and educational opportunities to create bridges between communities and generations through the cultural and educational programs. The Latino Heritage parade and jamaica are underwritten by private donations and sponsors, with support from the City of Pasadena.
The parade starts at 11 AM, Sat., Oct. 6, at Howard Street and Los Robles Avenue in Pasadena, and the jamaica runs from noon to 4 PM La Pintoresca Park, 45 E. Washington Blvd. (at Fair Oaks Ave.), Pasadena.
