Joyas Mestizas perform during the annual Fiestas Patrias parade Sept. 14, 2024, in South Park. (Photo: Susan Fried)
Arts & Culture

PHOTO ESSAY | Fiestas Patrias 2024

Editor

by Susan Fried

Despite gray skies and the threat of rain, hundreds of people lined South Cloverdale Street on Sept. 14, waiting for the annual Fiestas Patrias Parade to pass by. Coinciding with the beginning of National Hispanic American Heritage Month, Fiesta Patrias celebrates the independence of numerous Latin American countries, many of which gained their independence in September. This year’s theme was “Unifying Our Communities,” and the variety of parade participants exemplified the best of Latino culture in the Pacific Northwest.

Some parade onlookers blew horns and waved flags as traditional dancers, hot rods, mariachi bands, and beautiful horses made their way through South Park.

The Fiestas Patrias celebration continued with a two-day celebration at Seattle Center on Saturday, Sept. 14, and Sunday, Sept. 15.

Joyas Mestizas perform during the annual Fiestas Patrias parade Sept. 14, 2024, in South Park.
A young dancer walks with a contingent representing El Centro de la Raza in the Fiestas Patrias parade on Sept. 14, 2024, in South Park.
Dozens of beautiful horses and their riders performed traditional horse dancing for the Fiestas Patrias parade watchers. The riders were part of two groups Folkloric Horses and Octavio Rios Horses.
One of the highlights of the annual Fiestas Patrias parade was traditional Mexican horse dancing.
A mariachi band accompanies a group of traditional horse riders and dancers.
A young boy rides with a man on horseback during the Fiestas Patrias parade on Sept. 14, 2024, in South Park.
Dozens of lowrider cars from multiple car clubs, including Lord Riderz, Northwest Finest, and Family Stylez, rode in the Fiestas Patrias parade on Sept. 14, 2024.
The Seafair Pirates “Moby Duck” made one of their last appearances of the summer at the Fiestas Patrias parade in South Park on Sept. 14, 2024.
A woman and a girl look out from a float decorated with traditional Mexican colors during the Fiestas Patrias parade on Sept. 14, 2024.
El Diablos de Seattle walked in the Fiestas Patrias parade on Sept. 14, 2024.
Several cultural organizations showcasing traditional dance and clothing — including Joyas Mestizas, Folklore Mexicano Tonantzin, Grupo Folklore Costarricense, and Grupo Folklore Salvadoreno — participated in the annual Fiestas Patrias parade on Sept. 14, 2024.
The Duwamish Valley Youth Corps walked in the Fiesta Patrias parade on Sept. 14, 2024.
The Ramirez family waits for the Fiestas Patrias parade to pass by their apartment on South Cloverdale Street on Sept. 14, 2024.

Susan Fried is a 40-year veteran photographer. Her early career included weddings, portraits, and commercial work — plus, she’s been The Skanner News’ Seattle photographer for 25 years. Her images have appeared in the University of Washington’s The Daily, The Seattle Globalist, Crosscut, and many more. She’s been an Emerald contributor since 2015. Follow her on Instagram @fried.susan.