44th annual Fiestas Patrias Festival and Parade will return to Downtown Santa Ana on September 14-15

SANTA ANA, Calif. - The City of Santa Ana will celebrate Mexican independence and commemorate Santa Ana's vibrant Hispanic and Latino cultures at the 44thannual Fiestas Patrias festival and parade with a return to the Downtown Santa Ana historic district.

The Fiestas Patrias festival will take place on Saturday, Sept. 14, from 12 to 11 p.m. and on Sunday, Sept. 15, from 12 to 10 p.m. on 4th Street. The Fiestas Patrias parade will begin at 10 a.m. Sept. 15 at the cross streets of Main Street and Washington Avenue, and will continue along Main Street to Santa Ana Boulevard, ending by 12 p.m. right before the Fiestas Patrias festival.

On Sept. 15, the City of Santa Ana will host a ceremonial El Grito de Independencia (Cry of Independence) beginning at 7 p.m. on the festival's main stage. Mexico's official El Grito ceremony takes place on Sept. 15 and honors the traditional call to arms on the eve of Mexican Independence Day. It is a synchronized call that dates back to 1810 and celebrates the anniversary of the fight for Mexican independence.

"We're thrilled to bring Fiestas Patrias back to its traditional home in Downtown Santa Ana," Mayor Valerie Amezcua said. "Everyone is invited to join us for an incredible lineup of performers, a carnival and fun activities for the whole family, and a vivid display of our Mexican and Latin American cultures in the parade through the heart of our city."

Throughout the entire weekend, the Fiestas Patrias festival will have a main stage that will welcome a variety of talented performers, including students, dance groups, local community groups, and international musical acts. Families can also look forward to a fun-filled carnival with exciting mechanical rides, food vendors, and shopping. Tickets for carnival rides will be available for purchase on-site at ticket booths.

To apply for the interest list to be an exhibitor, vendor, or community performer at the Fiestas Patrias Festival, please visit the Fiestas Patrias website. Interest lists are open until Aug. 20 at 5 p.m.

Stay tuned for more exciting news to come, as we announce the headlining performers and other event details. Visit the Fiestas Patrias website, and follow the City of Santa Ana and Santa Ana Parks, Recreation and Community Services on social mediafor the latest event news.