How to Celebrate Fiestas Patrias in Los Angeles
Mexico's "Patriotic Holidays," or Fiestas Patrias, are vivaciously honored by the millions of people of Mexican and Latin American heritage in Los Angeles. You can celebrate Fiestas Patrias by participating in the many cultural events held over a 3-day period in the Hispanic communities of Los Angeles.
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Instructions
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Attend Fiestas Patrias Celebrations in Los Angeles
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Know that while Fiestas Patrias officially begins on September 16--the anniversary of Mexico's independence from Spain that was granted in 1810--the city's festivals may not begin on that date. To accommodate people of working class, celebrations are typically held on the weekend that falls closest to September 16.
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Expect that you will need a car to get around Los Angeles if you are visiting to celebrate the festival. Many affordable accommodations can be found in the city's downtown area, which is a good place to base yourself to enjoy the many events held in honor of Fiestas Patrias.
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Make historic Olvera Street in downtown Los Angeles your base for celebrating Fiestas Patras. The district, the city's oldest quarter, is well-known as a hub of Latin American and Mexican culture in Los Angeles, and tens of thousands of visitors file through the cultural attractions, which include food, dance, music and artwork, every year during the 3-day event.
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Check with the City of Los Angeles for more information on specific events being held throughout the city that the public is invited to attend. The schedule of events changes annually, but Fiestas Patrias is typically honored not only on Olvera Street, but throughout the city's many Mexican and Hispanic districts.
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Put Los Angeles' free city guides to work for you to discover cultural events off the beaten track. The most widely-circulated city guide in Los Angeles is L.A. Weekly, a tabloid-style newspaper that lists the city's entertainment happenings (see Resources below). It is available in both print and electronic form. Check it out a week or two prior to Fiestas Patrias to plan your weekend most efficiently.
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Tips & Warnings
The Mexican Cultural Institute can direct you to a schedule of events held throughout the city to celebrate Fiestas Patrias (see Resources below).
Stick to well-traveled and well-lit areas of downtown Los Angeles at night. The city's central core can pose dangers to unsuspecting tourists after dark.
