Boxing Stars at Bicentennial Parade in E.L.A.

The Scene at Mexican Independence Day Fiesta!

Fans lined the streets for hours in anticipation of the 2010 Mexican Independence Day Parade held in the Cinco Puntos (Five Points) neighborhood of East Los Angeles, California this past Sunday.

Here’s an exclusive report and snapshots from the day as I had the opportunity to attend the parade festivities as well as a pre-parade special reception.

This year’s event was an especially historic one marking the 200th Anniversary of the country’s independence from Spanish rule. This Wednesday and Thursday marks the “El Grito” (The Cry) ritual with Mexican Independence Day commencing the next day. This famed East L.A. parade is Southern California’s honors this major holiday. And joining the community’s annual fiesta were several boxing stars who came out to meet the fans and greet the crowds along the parade route.

Oscar de la Hoya took the stage as he was enthusiastically greeted by the audience who cheered loudly for the E.L.A. hometown hero. Saying “¡Viva Mexico!” at the conclusion of his speech, the “Golden Boy” was joined by some several fellow warriors from Golden Boy Promotions including Juan Manuel Marquez, Sergio “The Latin Snake” Mora, Victor Ortiz, Daniel Ponce de Leon and Frankie Gomez. Mora will face Shane Mosley this Saturday at the Staples Center, where Ortiz, de Leon and Gomez will also be featured on the undercards and the fight fans were really revved up when they saw their heroes.

The sweet science was well represented with other boxers also in attendance including former WBC Super Bantamweight Champ Paul Banke, former WBC Lightweight Champ Chango Carmona, current fighters Ramon Valadez (his next bout is this Friday at L.A. LIVE), Aalan Martinez (fighting on October 14 in Vegas), former sluggers and current trainers Ronnie Rivota and Steve Banke. Banke is also part of a new organization, the Universal Boxing Hall of Fame, who had Founder Adolfo Perez, President Raul Esquivel and Vice President Adolfo Perez Jr. were all their lending their support to the people of E.L.A.

The fighters all took time to graciously pose with fans and sign autographs as generations of families came out in droves for the Bicentennial celebration. Honoring 200 years since the September 16 independence, the holiday brought out thousands of parade goers who waved green, white and red Mexican flags.

Before the Bicentennial parade began, there was an air of excitement as the participants and invited guests gathered around before the official kick-off began. Noshing on tamales, fresh guacamole and Pan Dulce (Mexican sweet bread), the revelry continued to build as beauty queens, dancers, children’s groups, celebrities from the Spanish film and TV world, servicemen and city officials mingled with the superstar boxers. California Governor candidate and current Attorney General Jerry Brown was standing nearby and we noticed him sampling the delicious chicken and pork tamales being dished up.

Mayor Antonio Villaraigosa, Grand Marshal Placido Domingo, “The Dog Whisperer” Cesar Millan, actor Danny Trejo, radio personality Humberto Luna, popular matinee idol Jorge Rivero and Lucha Libre were seen in the reception area.

I visited with businessman Louis Herrera, who introduced me to some of the parade organizers and other visitors. We also met with Claudia, Gloria, Hilda and Liliana, the four young ladies who would assist with the ribbon cutting ceremony scheduled that morning. All the participants were wearing sharp costumes and gowns that honored their beloved country and its culture. Since this was my first time seeing the pageantry, Herrera also showed me how the five streets were lined with the various parade entries ready to go. “That street has all the horses; this street is for the vintage cars,” he pointed out. “Over there are the VIP cars, the dancers and bands are there and then the floats are on the street.”

When the ceremony begins all the vehicles, floats, autos and marching bands carefully converge in the center as they proceed down the road. Walking over to the cavalcade of floats being prepped with final adjustments, I got a fun preview of the fancy and colorful floats all set to entertain the crowd.

After the tour of floats, I visited with boxer Frankie “Pitbull” Gomez and his corner. The 18-year-old grew up in East L.A. and the kids and teens really respond to him. The young ladies all wanted to meet him and pose with the former amateur standout and budding pro star. Frankie was with his trusted team, including Coach Rivota, Hector Ibarra, George Ibarra and his brother Tony Gomez. He said he’s really happy to be fighting in his own backyard this Saturday at the Staples Center.

Also spoke with another East L.A. native Sergio Mora, who’s one of the main event fighters in “200: Celebrate and Dominate” Mosley vs. Mora. “Any prediction for your fight this weekend?” I asked Sergio of his upcoming HBO PPV battle. “A prediction?” he smiled. “I’m gonna win!” While “The Contender” champion first rose to fame on that TV series, he looks to make a statement in his Mosley matchup.

WBO and WBA Lightweight titlist Juan Manuel Marquez was a big hit with the fans too. Decked out in a bright yellow T-shirt (that matched perfectly to the two DeWalt trucks the Golden Boy fighters would later ride in) and dark shades, “Dinamita” was friendly and polite with everyone. After his recent victory over Juan Diaz, Marquez is now scheduled to face Michael Katsidis on November 27. The boxer, in his walking around weight, already looks in fighting shape.

And hard-hitting Chango Carmona showcased his prized possession–the WBC green strap he won during his September 15, 1972 by a TKO over Mando Ramos. He enjoyed himself as he let the other guests try on the belt, still in pristine condition. After visiting with the boxers, next we all headed out as the parade was set to begin.

Out in the streets, it was all blue skies and wide smiles from the littlest kids camped out in beach chairs, as the long-awaited procession began with a bang. Watching the long line of parade entries pass by on Cesar Chavez Avenue, I saw some great Aztec dance troupes, traditional Charros riding horseback, classic convertibles, elaborate horse-drawn carriages, Mariachi and marching bands and even a helicopter with the singing Villa Kids in tow.

There were generations of families gathered together to take in the weekend festivities. From babies to grandparents, this community parade is a longstanding tradition to those in East L.A. Adolfo Perez Sr. told me he’s been attending the event for years and was even the President of the Comité Mexicano Cívico Patriótico organization that puts on the event. “In 1981-1982 I was President of the Comité Mexicano,” Perez commented as a large contingent of the members (decked out in Mardi Gras-style masks, feathered hats and elaborate velvet outfits) joyously marched by. “This is a great event,” he added before stepping into a vintage car that joined the all-star lineup.

As the grand spectacle continued, the thousands were delighted to take in all the sights and sounds. As the boxers made their way down the avenues, they waved back at fans and pumped their fists as “¡Viva Mexico!” was heard rising from the masses.

And “¡Viva Mexico!” to everyone celebrating the Mexican Independence Day Bicentennial!

Photos by Michele Chong and Steve Harpst