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SACRAMENTO, Calif. — A Celebration of Lowriding
It was a lifestyle that was once outlawed but is now being celebrated through a holiday event in Sacramento. The Inaugural California Lowrider Holiday Celebration brought together hundreds of people from 16 different California counties.
A Reflection of Culture and Tradition
As 104 cars descended onto Capitol Mall, it became clear that the lowrider movement is about more than just cars. It represents culture, tradition, and family. Carlos Molina, the organizer of the event, expressed his appreciation for the location of the celebration, saying, “It’s beautiful and it’s epic that of all the roads that we celebrate this holiday on, it’s right here at Capitol Mall in front of our Capitol building and in a beautiful (Tower Bridge).”
A Lifestyle, Not Just a Hobby
For many attendees, lowriding is more than just a hobby – it is a lifestyle. Miguel Alatorre from San Diego explained, “Some people like hot rods, some people like race cars, and we like to ride low and slow, and we like to express ourselves on each car through our art, through our vision.” Jose Monteon from San Jose echoed this sentiment, stating, “I get in my car, I drive and all my problems go away.”
A Shift in Perception
The lowrider community has faced discrimination and harassment in the past, with local policies banning cruising on roads. However, last year, cities across California, including Sacramento, changed their laws and removed the “No Cruising” signs. Sal Herrera, from the Sacramento Impalas, said, “We went from being harassed to, now, we’re being accepted.” The Lowrider Holiday Celebration aims to create a shift in society’s understanding of the Chicano neighborhood and its contributions.
A Dance Floor on Capitol Mall
The celebration on Capitol Mall marked a historic moment for lowriding. Carlos Molina expressed his surprise, saying, “Who would have thought that Capitol Mall would have become a dance floor for lowriding, but it did today and it will continue to be.” Molina also revealed plans to unveil a limited-edition postage stamp honoring the lowrider celebration in the near future.
Conclusion
The Inaugural California Lowrider Holiday Celebration brought together lowrider enthusiasts from all over the state. The event showcased the vibrant culture, tradition, and family values associated with lowriding. It also marked a shift in perception, with the community transitioning from being targeted to being accepted and celebrated. The celebration on Capitol Mall was a symbolic moment for the Chicano neighborhood, and organizers hope it will help foster better understanding and appreciation for their community.
