CARSON, Calif. (Wednesday, Sept. 9, 2015) – LA Galaxy forward Giovani dos Santos will headline Mexican Independence Day festivities in Los Angeles this Sunday, Sept. 13 when he serves as Grand Marshall of the 69th Edition of the East LA Mexican Independence Parade, set to begin at 10:30 a.m. PT.
The Comité Mexicano Cívico Patriótico, a non-profit organization devoted to maintaining Mexican traditions, is organizing the parade along with the Mexican Consulate of Los Angeles.
ABC7 and Univision will broadcast the parade live. The parade is currently the biggest and most unique parade of its type in the country. Over the years, many iconic public figures have participated in the role as Grand Marshall, such as Cantinflas, Anthony Quinn, John Wayne, Ronald Reagan, Placido Domingo, Ignacio Lopez Tarso, Juan Gabriel, Julio Aleman, Angelica Maria, Antonio Aguilar, Los Tigres del Norte, Julio Cesar Chavez, Oscar de la Hoya, Kate del Castillo and Edward James Olmos.
The parade route will be through, E. Cesar Chávez Blvd. starting at Mednik St. and ending at Gage Ave. The celebration will continue at Belvedere Park (Mednik and First) with music performances, entertainment, attractions, food vendors, merchandise, interactive displays and fun for the whole family to enjoy.
Giovani Dos Santos signed with the LA Galaxy on July 15, 2015 from Villarreal CF in La Liga BBVA, Spain’s top-flight professional division, where he spent two seasons from 2013-14. Dos Santos has also played for FC Barcelona in La Liga and Tottenham Hotspur FC in England’s Barclays Premier League.
Internationally, Dos Santos is one of Mexico’s most accomplished players, earning his first cap with the national team in 2006. Additionally, he has experience playing in UEFA Champions League, the FIFA World Cup, CONCACAF Gold Cup and the Olympics, among other competitions. Dos Santos is a product of Barcelona’s “La Masia” Academy, making his first professional appearance for FC Barcelona in 2006, scoring in his debut against AGF Aarhus in a friendly competition.
The Monterrey product began his international career with the Mexico U-17 side when he helped his team win the 2005 U-17 World Championship and earned the tournament’s Silver Ball award. He also spent time with Mexico’s U-20 side at the 2007 FIFA U-20 World Cup, leading Mexico to a quarterfinals appearance. He also helped lead Mexico to the 2011 Gold Cup championship, scoring a brilliant goal against the USMNT to seal a victory in the final. In 2012, the attacker helped Mexico make history by scoring three goals en route to winning the 2012 London Olympics Gold Medal, the first time Mexico has received gold in Olympic soccer.
This season with the LA Galaxy, Dos Santos has two goals and three assists in four MLS Regular Season appearances. In five appearances across all competitions, Dos Santos has recorded three goals and five assists.
