Fiesta Patrias marks Mexico’s Independence

OXNARD, Calif. (KEYT) Mexico's Independence Day celebrations got underway over the weekend before Sept. 16; the day marking the country's call to arms against Spain in 1810.

Families lined C Street in downtown Oxnard to watch the parade.

Musicians, including Mariachi Gallos De Oro, performed.

Some horses appeared to dance or trot in place.

Young riders rode with their parents leading the way.

Classic cars carried some outstanding young women, including Hazel Garcia, who went to Hueneme High.

"The fact that a lot of people don't have the opportunity of a voice and really show our true colors and like their culture, which is this, so, it feels good to be part of the generation that will hopefully find a way and have the courage, a voice to be able to yell and say I am Mexican, I am Latina and I'm happy about it and I'm proud of it," said Garcia.

Vida’s Pete Placencia took photos for the popular bilingual newspaper.

"This parade is the only one in the area that celebrates Mexican Independence, we are the biggest city in the area,'" said Placencia, " The people that are here are proud of their roots, their culture, their language and all the traditions that are with it."

Oxnard Mayor Luis A. McArthur walked the parade route and said he was proud to be part of the celebration.

People cheered for members of group carrying a large "ICE out of Oxnard" sign.

Oxnard College students also took part in the celebration and held it's own celebration on campus.

DJ Salvador Vaca of 103.7 helped emcee Fiesta Patrias.

Vaca invited people to stick around for the live entertainment that followed in Plaza Park.

And at Oxnard college

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