Free registration is open through Monday, Oct. 19, 2015, for community members interested in participating in the 17th annual Latino Heritage Parade and “jamaica” (celebration) set for Saturday, Oct. 24, 2015. Contact Rozanne Adanto, Community Services Supervisor, at (626) 744-6530 for more information.
The free community event celebrating Latino history, arts and culture begins with a lively and colorful parade at 11 a.m., followed by the festival from 12-4 p.m. Oct. 24 at La Pintoresca Park, 1415 N. Raymond Ave. Read more about the Latino Heritage Parade and jamaica at www.cityofpasadena.net/LatinoHeritage.
An estimated 1,500 people are expected to attend the event sponsored by the City of Pasadena and produced by Latino Heritage, a local community-based organization dedicated to promoting Latino culture in the greater Pasadena area.
The parade begins on Los Robles Avenue at Howard Street, turns west on Washington Boulevard and ends at La Pintoresca Park, 1415 N. Raymond Ave., where the jamaica is held. The jamaica features live entertainment, art exhibits, educational and historical displays, community booths and for-sale food.
This year’s Grand Marshal is screenwriter Josefina Lopez, best known for co-writing the Pasadena Playhouse-featured screenplay Real Women Have Curves and the 2002 Sundance award-winning film of the same name. The Community Grand Marshal is longtime Pasadena resident, author, local historian and community activist Roberta Martinez.
Parade participants include Folklorico groups, community organizations, equestrians, La Reina de Las Fiestas Patrias and Court, and the PUSD All-District Middle School Marching Band and students from Pasadena and Marshall high schools.
Free arts and crafts workshops are being provided by the Armory Center for the Arts and the City’s Human Services and Recreation Department. The Latino Heritage Parade and jamaica are underwritten by private donations and sponsors, including the City.
