The City of Santa Ana will celebrate Mexican independence and commemorate Santa Ana’s vibrant Hispanic and Latino cultures at the 44th annual Fiestas Patrias festival and parade with a return to the historic 4th Street.

The Fiestas Patrias festival will take place on  Sept. 14 from 12 p.m. to 11 p.m. and Sept. 15 from 12 p.m. to 10 p.m. in Downtown Santa Ana.

The Fiestas Patrias parade will begin at 10 a.m. on Sunday, Sept. 15 at the cross streets of Main Street and Washington Avenue, and will continue along Main Street to Santa Ana Boulevard ending by 12 p.m. right before the Fiestas Patrias festival.

On Sunday, September 15th, the City of Santa Ana will host a ceremonial El Grito de Independencia beginning at 7 p.m. on the festival’s main stage. Mexico’s official El Grito Ceremony takes place on September 15 and honors the traditional call to arms on the eve of Mexican Independence Day. It is a synchronized call that dates back to 1810 and celebrates the anniversary of the fight for Mexican independence.

Throughout the entire weekend, the Fiestas Patrias festival will have a main stage that will welcome a variety of talented performers, ranging from students, dance groups, local community groups, and international musical acts. Families can also look forward to a fun-filled carnival with exciting mechanical rides, food vendors, and shopping. Tickets for carnival rides will be available for purchase on-site at ticket booths.