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CARSON, Calif. - For the second consecutive year, Chivas USA will participate in the East Los Angeles Mexican Independence parade, the largest Mexican Independence celebration in the United States. More than half a million spectators are expected to line the streets of East Los Angeles, the traditional heart of Southern California's Mexican-American community, this Sunday, September 10, as Chivas USA players process along César Chávez Avenue in an open-top, double-decker bus provided by Aeroméxico, the official air travel partner of Chivas USA.
This year, Los Angeles Mayor Antonio Villaraigosa will be the parade's Honorary Grand Marshall. Past participants include presidents of Mexico and the United States and governors of California, as well as renowned Mexican and Mexican-American actors ('Cantinflas', Anthony Quinn) recording artists (Juan Gabriel, Los Tigres del Norte) and athletes (Oscar de la Hoya, Julio César Chávez), among others.
Officially celebrated on September 16, Mexican Independence Day commemorates the historic independence plea by revolutionary leader Miguel Hidalgo y Costilla. In 1810, Hidalgo, a Catholic priest in the town of Dolores, Guanajuato, concluded an impassioned sermon with a cry of '¡Viva Mexico!' (Long live Mexico!). The now-famous 'Grito de Dolores' (Cry of Dolores) is reenacted every year on September 16 in cities and towns throughout Mexico and the United States, in celebration of this important date - Mexico's equivalent of the Fourth of July.
Chivas USA, Major League Soccer's Mexican-owned, Los Angeles-based franchise, is currently racing towards the playoffs in this, its second campaign in MLS. This Saturday, September 9, Chivas USA faces Western Conference leaders FC Dallas at 7:00 p.m. PT at The Home Depot Center. For tickets or more information, call 1-877-CHIVAS-1 or visit www.cdchivasusa.com.
WHAT: Chivas USA players in 26th Annual East Los Angeles Mexican Independence Parade
WHEN: Sunday, September 10, 2006
11:00 a.m. PT
WHERE: East Los Angeles, California
Starts: César Chávez Ave. and 1st St. <br>
Ends: César Chávez and Mednik Ave.
TV: LIVE on KMEX Univision 34
11:00 a.m. - 1:00 p.m. PT
