Thousands gathered in the streets of downtown Santa Ana in celebration of Fiestas Patrias this past weekend.

Editor’s note: This is an occasional series where Voice of OC works with local community photographers to offer residents a first-hand look at the local sites and scenes of Orange County.

Held on 4th street in the city’s historic district, the two-day celebration included a street fair, parade, live music, food, a carnival, cultural exhibitions and more entertainment.

The Fiestas Patrias event along Fourth Street is set up with vendors on Sept 14, 2024 in downtown Santa Ana. Credit: DYLAN NICHOLS, Voice of OC Credit: DYLAN NICHOLS, Voice of OC

A large part of Orange County’s population is Latino, with a majority identifying as Mexican American.

Over 75% of Santa Ana residents identify as Latino, while over half of residents identify as Latino in neighboring Anaheim.

Fiestas Patrias celebrates Mexican Independence. But independence from Spanish rule is also celebrated in September across Central America and other Latino countries including Chile and Peru.

Griselda Guerrero, 49 (left) and Joel Vega, 38, after their turn in the Fiestas Patrias parade in Santa Ana, Calif. on Sept. 15, 2024. Vega has been involved in the parade since 2005. BRIAN GUEVARA, Voice of OC

“Santa Ana’s Fiestas Patrias Parade is a true representation of cultural traditions,” said Paul Eakins, Public Affairs Information Officer for the city. “Hispanic culture is at the core of Santa Ana and the parade creates the space for the community to gather and embrace the vibrant diversity of the city while celebrating its historical heritage.”

An Aztec dancer walks the Fiestas Patrias parade on Sunday morning on Sept. 15, 2024. BRIAN GUEVARA, Voice of OC

Sunday’s parade was followed by a ceremonial El Grito de Independencia, which rang out on the festival’s main stage. 

The tradition honors Father Miguel Hidalgo y Costilla’s call for independence from Spanish rule in Mexico on Sept. 16, 1810.

Erin Estrada, 28, from Pheonix Arizona at the Fiestas Patras event on Sept 14, in Santa Ana at the Fiestas Patrias event. “This is my first year celebrating [and] being involved with the community and really getting to celebrate Mexican heritage,” said Estrada. Credit: DYLAN NICHOLS, Voice of OC
William Rivera, 20, from Riverside at the Fiestas Patrias event on Sept. 14, 2024, in Santa Ana. “My family would like it [here]. They’re both immigrants. My dad’s Salvadorian and my mom’s Mexican,” said Rivera as he reflected on the festival. Credit: DYLAN NICHOLS, Voice of OC
A man representing Mexico riding a horse in the Fiestas Patrias parade in Santa Ana, Calif. on Sept. 15, 2024
Fried flautas and bacon wrapped hotdogs are served at the Fiestas Patrias event on Sept. 14, 2024. Credit: DYLAN NICHOLS, Voice of OC

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