Mexican Independence Day parade draws thousands

EAST LOS ANGELES, Calif. (KABC) -- Thousands attended the 68th Annual Mexican Independence Day Paradein East Los Angeles on Sunday.

Actor Edward James Olmos served as the grand marshal.

Los Angeles Mayor Eric Garcetti also attended and paid tribute to his heritage.

"My grandparents were immigrants from Mexico and settled on the East Side. It's like coming back to my roots to be here and see so many people come here, some recent, some fourth, fifth generations," Garcetti said. "Those roots and those connections with Mexico are so strong, it's part of our past but a big part of our success in the future too."

The mayor rode along the parade with the city's new fire chief Ralph Terrazas and presented Supervisor Gloria Molina with a Lifetime Achievement Award for her 32 years of public service.

ABC7 was proud to broadcast all of the colorful sights and sounds. ABC7's own Alysha Del Valle served as La Madrina. Del Valle grew up attending the parade with her family, and said it was an honor to participate in the annual event.

The parade is the oldest and largest Hispanic parade in the nation. The parade ran along Cesar E. Chavez Avenue from Mednik Avenue to Gage Avenue, through the heart of East Los Angeles. A festival followed the parade's conclusion.