National Hispanic Heritage Month: First-ever Latin American Independence Day Parade hosted in Richmond and San Pablo [Video]

RICHMOND, Calif. (KGO) — In the East Bay, it was a celebration of Latin American cultures.

The cities of Richmond and San Pablo hosted the area’s first-ever Latin American Independence Day Parade on Saturday. The event was the result of a postponed Cinco de Mayo parade that got rained out last spring.

It was a community celebration so big, it stretched across two cities.

“To me, it’s about unity. It brings people out, we have a good time, and we meet new people,” said Parade Chairperson Genoveva Calloway.

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“It’s really to celebrate the diversity of our community, great participation by schools and organizations, clubs and nonprofits,” said Contra Costa County Supervisor John Gioia.

The parade started as a Cinco de Mayo event but got postponed and rained out last spring. Now, it’s become of celebration of Latin American cultures.

“Today, we’re grilling chicken, carne …