Pasadena’s Latino Heritage Takes Center Stage Saturday With Parade and Festival

The streets of Pasadena will come alive with vibrant colors, lively music, and the aroma of traditional cuisine on Saturday morning, October 5 as the City hosts its 26th Annual Latino Heritage Parade and Festival.

The music, the dancing, the proud horses with the splendidly attired caballeros, the energetic and cheerful children marching with big smiles combine to make for a wonderful event emersed in Latino culture.

This year’s event, themed “We Are Pasadena: We Continue to Flourish” (“Somos Pasadena: Seguimos Floreciendo”), underscores the growing influence and contributions of the Latino community.

“Pasadena’s Latino Heritage Parade and Festival is a proud tradition that not only honors the contributions of our vibrant Latino community but also celebrates the strength, diversity, and unity of our city,” said Mayor Victor M. Gordo.

Gordo — who was born in Mexico — said the Parade and festival that follows “reflect the resilience and growth of our community as we continue to build a future rooted in shared values, culture, and history.”

The festivities, running from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m., are expected to draw over 2,000 participants and spectators, according to City sources.

The Parade will wind its way through central Pasadena, starting at Los Robles Avenue and Buckeye Street, heading south on Los Robles Avenue, and culminating in front of City Hall at 100 N. Garfield Ave.

Following the procession, attendees can enjoy live entertainment, educational exhibits, food vendors, and family-friendly activities at the festival.

This year’s Grand Marshals embody the spirit of the celebration.

Martín Dorado, a 5th-grade teacher at Madison Elementary School in his ninth year with the Pasadena Unified School District, represents the dedication to nurturing the next generation of Pasadena’s Latino community.

Alongside him will be José M. Hernández, a NASA astronaut and mission specialist on STS-128, who was selected for the 2004 astronaut candidate class. His journey from California’s fields to outer space serves as an inspiration to many.

Koko Panossian, the city’s Director of Parks, Recreation and Community Services, encouraged widespread participation.

“Grab a lawn chair and invite your family, friends, and neighbors to join us for this spectacular celebration,” he said.

The City has made efforts to ensure accessibility, offering free parking at the Pasadena Central Library Parking Lot and the City Parking Lot next to YWCA. Public transportation options include the Metro A-Line, local bus routes (Pasadena Transit Route 10, Metro 686, Metro 180, Foothill Transit 187), and the new Union Street Protected Bikeway for cyclists.

Several streets will be closed to accommodate the event, and residents are advised to plan accordingly.

The event is sponsored by the City of Pasadena Parks, Recreation and Community Services Department and the Pasadena Latino Heritage Parade and Festival Committee.