Neighbors of the city of East Palo Alto, California, celebrated the cry for independence of Latin American countries, thus celebrating the Latino community in the United States.
The event was attended by more than 6,000 people, who enjoyed a music festival with different types of bands, accompanied by a variety of cuisine, crafts and clothing with colors that reflected the flag of Central American countries.
East Palo Alto Councilman Ruben Abrica and committee members addressed the audience.
“I thank the attendees and guests for socializing and enjoying these activities that have been prepared for you. Today is a day to remember the independence of the Hispanic countries, 'Long live Mexico, Long live Mexico, Long live Central America,'” he chanted along with the attendees.
“It is a festival to have fun and spend time with the family. We have visitors from neighboring communities in the Bay Area; Redwood City, San Jose, Menlo Park, and San Carlos, among other visitors. The city of East Palo Alto has changed, it is not how we used to see ourselves before, we have a folk music festival and cultural events,” said Abrica.
According to Edwin Cuellar, president of the Latino Committee (CL) of East Palo Alto, he said that the objective of this event is to celebrate the independence of the peoples of Central America, although today the cry of Mexican independence is celebrated.
This event, which the Comité Latino (CL) and its sponsors are organizing, is part of a series of activities that have been planned throughout the year, such as the Latino Festival on May 5 and the 40th anniversary of East Palo Alto.
“Our message is to tell them that East Palo Alto has changed, it is not a criminal community, since years ago it was a community seen with a higher rate of violence, not only at the state level of California, but at the national level,” said Cuellar.
For Edwin Cuellar, this was an event that had the support of local authorities: the city of East Palo Alto, La Bahía TV, Menlo Park Fire District, Tacos y Hamburguesas “Toluco”, and the East Palo Alto Police.
“We just have to make the community visible. We are a peaceful community, these events help us to make known the cultural wealth and family coexistence that exists,” he said.
Lisa Gauthier, mayor of the city of East Palo Alto, attended and addressed the attendees with a Mexican flag in her hand. With a few words, she thanked and encouraged the attendees to participate “and enjoy the party,” she concluded.
The event was held at the 1990 Bay Rd in East Palo Alto. Started at 12:30 and ended at 7:00 pm. Admission was free.
Attendees were able to enjoy the performance of the musical bands: La Raza Obrera, Wilver, and the Internacional Sonora Dinamita, as well as the dance of Los Diablos de Oaxacaliforinia. They were also able to taste various foods, and received information on topics of interest to the local community, among other activities.
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