Today’s Pasadena Latino Heritage Parade Honors Multigenerational Community Impact

From Pasadena’s early days within the bounds of Rancho el Rincón de San Pascual to the current City Hall led by Mayor Victor Gordo and City Manager Miguel Márquez, Latinos have played prominent roles in the city.

Saturday’s Pasadena Latino Heritage parade pays homage to that and embraces all that is Latino culture. The Parade will be a vibrant celebration of music, dance, cuisine, achievement, family and local community and the continuing roles of Latinos in the city.

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.

“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.

Martín Dorado, an educator at Madison Elementary, was chosen as Latino Heritage Parade 2024 Community Grand Marshal. He said his selection has highlighted the enduring influence of Latino families in Pasadena, showcasing how multiple generations have shaped the city’s cultural and educational landscape.

“I just want to acknowledge my mom, who’s here,” Dorado said during his acceptance speech last month. “I would not be here today if it wasn’t for the sacrifices that my mom made. She’s a member of the community.”

“She went to the schools, she went to PCC as well, where she became a nurse. She served our community at Huntington Hospital, and [is] a part of this community,” Dorado explained.

The Grand Marshal’s role extends beyond personal recognition. Dorado said he views his selection as an honor for the entire Madison Elementary community.

“This isn’t just for me. It is for our kids. It’s for Madison,” he stated, underscoring the school’s significance in fostering Latino culture.

Dorado described Madison Elementary as the “nexus of Latino culture,” saying, “If you want to know where the nexus of Latino culture is, it’s at Madison Elementary. That’s where it begins.” This statement highlights the crucial role of education in preserving and promoting cultural heritage.

His selection for the 2024 Pasadena Latino Heritage Parade celebrates the ongoing contributions of Latino families to the city’s vibrant cultural tapestry.

For more about today’s Parade, see:

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

Latino Heritage Parade & Festival to Bring Road Closures on Saturday