The annual Santa Ana Fiestas Patrias is a weekend-long celebration of Mexico’s Independence Day featuring a parade, cultural performances, food, carnival rides, games, and art. Each year the heart of the city is transformed into a sprawling celebration and commemorates the very people who reside within the city.

Thousands will gather to sip on beers, enjoy Mexican fare and more with highlights including the “El Grito” ceremony – a recreation of Miguel Hidalgo’s call to arms on the eve of Mexican Independence Day along with performance by folklórico dancers, Mexican singers and bands.

The parade and festival will take place on Saturday, September 16 and Sunday, September 17, 2023.

About Fiestas Patrias

Fiestas Patrias, also known as the Independence Day of Mexico, is a vibrant celebration held on September 16th to commemorate Mexico’s independence from Spanish rule. The festivities begin with “El Grito de Dolores,” where the Cry of Dolores is reenacted, echoing the call for independence made by Miguel Hidalgo in 1810. The entire country comes alive with colorful decorations, cultural performances, traditional dances, and Mexican cuisine. Parades, fireworks, and gatherings create an atmosphere of national pride and unity, not only in Mexico but also among millions of Mexicans worldwide, as it honors the country’s rich history and identity. The celebration also kicks off National Hispanic Heritage Month, which takes place every September 15 through October 15.

Santa Ana Fiestas Patrias Parade

Fiestas Patrias Parade Website

Where: Santa Ana Civic Center
(On Flower Street between Civic Center Drive and Santa Ana Boulevard)
Approximate Address: 602 N Flower Street, Santa Ana, CA 92703

Admission: Free
There are fees for attractions and games plus food and beverages will be available for purchase

Dates/Times

Saturday, September 16 & Sunday, September 17, 2023

Fiestas Patrias Activities

Live Music & Performances: Folklórico dancers, Mexican singers and bands perform on the festival’s main stage located on Flower Street.
Carnival Rides
Food and Beer Garden
Cultural Plaza: Featuring art, cultural decorations, and souvenirs from different Mexican states and other Latin American nations.
El Grito ceremony: Honors the traditional call to arms on the eve of Mexican Independence Day. It is a massive, synchronized call that dates back to 1810 and celebrates the anniversary of the fight for Mexican Independence and Miguel Hidalgo’s call to arms on the eve of Mexican Independence Day.

Parking

Paid parking is available at two nearby parking garages:

P6 / Superblock parking garage and lot

Address: 601 W Santa Ana Boulevard
Entry/exit at Parton Street and Santa Ana Boulevard
Automated entry/exit (cash and major credit cards accepted)
Rate: 50 cents each 15 minutes
- Daily maximum rate: $15

P1 / Stadium parking garage

Address: 1020 W Civic Center Drive, Santa Ana, CA 92703
Entry/exit at Boyd Way and Civic Center Drive
Cashier on duty (cash and major credit cards accepted)
Rate: $1 each 15 minutes
- Daily maximum rate: $15

There is limited metered street parking, as well as parking at other City and County-owned parking garages, in the Civic Center and Downtown area. Please be mindful of on-going construction in the area and give yourself plenty of time to maneuver around the construction and road closures.

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Monique McArthur is a mother of two, writer, and creator of delicious recipes. In her spare time she enjoys exploring all that Orange County has to offer, traveling, shopping, running with her dogs and spending time with family.