Mexico returned to the Rose Parade with a float sponsored by the country's Consulate General office in Los Angeles, taking Judges' Special Award for Most Spectacular in Showmanship & Dramatic Impact.
The float carried the theme of "Mexico's Bi-Centennial" down the route of the 121st Rose Parade, a traditional New Year's Day event in the Los Angeles suburb of Pasadena. The entry — and the honors from the parade judges — came with the support of hundreds of volunteers who worked on its decoration with materials and flowers starting on December 26, less than a week ahead of the event.
Consul General Juan Marcos Gutierrez Gonzalez said the float co-incided with the start of activities to mark Mexico's independence from Spain in 1810 and a subsequent revolution in 1910. Gutierrez said the various activities are planned throughout 2010 in Mexico, Los Angeles and various other locations.
"The Rose Parade is a globally-reaching event and Mexico's participation in it seeks to broadcast among the international community Mexico's celebration during 2010 of its formation and reformation as an independent, free and democratic nation," said Gutierrez.
The consul general described the parade float as showing "the pride of Mexico's pre-Columbian history with an imposing pyramid and Aztec calendar, as well as the evolution of modern Mexico and its national institutions symbolized by the Angel of Independence monument." He noted that the official image of the bicentennial — a "Mexico 2010" icon — occupied the center of the float. The float also featured the Mexican flag and the national shield.
Raul Rodriguez designed the float, using roses from Mexico, as well as corn husks that adorned the replica pyramid, and floral arrangements using prickly pears and poinsettias.
The folkloric dance group "Coco" danced with the parade float to the rhythms of popular Mexican melodies.
One of the members of the Coco dance ensemble, Saide Serna, 13 years old, said she felt proud to be representing Mexico through her dance.
"It's my first time participating and I'm proud to represent Mexico and to be Latina," said the young resident of Huntington Park, a nearby town. "It's a very nice experience to honor my homeland."
Serna's mother, Dolores Rodriguez, from Ciudad Guzman, Jalisco, said she found the float to be very educational because it represented Mexico's foundations.
"Many of us remember Mexico when we see the patriotic symbols, the pyramids, the presidents, democracy and liberty," said Rodriguez, who emigrated to the U.S. six years ago.
Mireya Olivera is editor of Impulso.
Photos by Impulso.
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