On the early morning of June 8, 2013 it was only fitting that a mass was performed by the Bishop of the diocese at Riverside’s historic church the cathedral of Our Lady of Guadalupe Shrine,
The Shrine of the Lady of Guadalupe that is located in Riverside’s east sideThe church was rightfully full that day because it was a joyous occasion.Our Lady of Guadalupe Shrine
The Bishop moves towards the altarThe Altar of the Shrine of the Lady of GuadalupeThe Bishop could not have delivered a finer sermon that beautiful saturday morning.
The procession leaving the church,so that the march to the downtown Riverside mall could begin.
After the Mass – the March to Downtown Riverside
The march begins leaving the church heading towards downtown.This bands plays it all the way.The lyrics of De Colores a traditional Mexican Folk Song. This beautiful song transcends both spanish and english and truly signifies the meaning of “Music is the Universal Language”
As the crowd marched the band begins to play and the people begin to sing the famous Mexican Folk Song, Des Colores. Following are the lyrics to famous song.
The crowd begins the march to University AvenueGilberto Esquivel, LANET member and also President of LULAC Council 3190, hoists the bullhorn as he holds the flag of the Farmworkers Union
The march along University avenue finally crosses into Downtown Riverside.
While marching the crowd is singing “Des Colores” proudly hoisting the American, California and flags of the farmworkers union. The March contains many notables from Riverside including ‘Mr. Mayor” Ron Loveridge, an early supporter of the Cesar Chavez statue. Marching along are Riverside Assembly Person and former educator and member of the Riverside Community College Board of Trustees, Jose Medina and our local Congressman Mark Takano, also a former educator and member of the Riverside Community College Board of Trustees. The weather was perfect on that Saturday morning in June.
The march was greeted by a very large crowd on the Downtown Riverside Mall. Excitement was in the air as everyone was anticipating the unveiling of the statue.
