On Saturday Sept. 13, 2025, Tracy had its annual Mexican Independence Parade, this parade has been hosted by the South Side Community Organization of Tracy (SSCO) since 2015. 

 The parade started at Central and ended at Lincoln Park, where music was played along with dancing and vendors. This event celebrated Mexico’s call to freedom from Spain back on Sept. 16, 1810 and although it wouldn’t be the last time Latinos had to struggle, it was a taste of victory against oppression.

This event was especially important for many of the attendees because of the current political climate that the world has been in and the need for unity.  

Ernesto Soltero, owner and founder of Pilas Clothing Company explains the importance of community and not forgetting who you are is key to real changes. 

“I want to have something that unites all of us and shows the unity,” Soltero said. “We’re here contributing to building this nation and we’re uplifting this nation.” 

Joel Arizu the owner of Tracy Trim and Auto Top spoke on what it means to him to represent his culture. 

“It’s good to support the culture, the people, the gente, you know what I mean,” Arizu explained. “This helps support and keep the culture alive.”

This year’s parade had been Arizu’s first year bringing out his car, but he has been coming to them as long as he’s lived in Tracy. He brings his car out in a way to show his Chicano pride and show out for his community.

This isn’t just an event for the older generation. President of Association of Latino and Ally students (ALAS) Suzzette Ventura expresses how proud she is of their work.

“So far, I think we’re doing a good job selling our products and giving back to our community,” Ventura expressed.

ALAS is a club from Kimball High School, and they not only were in the parade, but they also had a booth selling t-shirts and doing face painting.

This event is just a nice opportunity for those in the community to come together and celebrate through music, dance and a celebration of history.