2023 Zoot Suit Riots Cruise: Celebrating the 80th Anniversary of the Zoot Suit Riots
June 10, 2023 | By LRS Staff
One must reflect on positive or adverse history to remember your culture and roots. In the case of the Zoot Suit Riots Cruise, the annual event highlights a painful segment of Latino history in the US but also doubles as a celebration that pays homage to a cultural way of dressing, which is now accepted and respected. Looking back to 1934, the Zoo Suit Riots was a 10-day frenzy that left many young Latino men the victim of violent attacks because of how they dressed in zoot suits. Often referred to as Pachucos, the distinct formal wear survived a critical moment in history, and the event celebrates lowriding cultures’ passion for self-expression through their platforms, such as their custom rides, dress style, and the music itself.
In honor of the 80th Anniversary of the Zoot Suit Riots, the Zoot Suit Riots Cruise took place on June 3rd, and the congregation met up in East Los Angeles, just blocks from the famous Whittier Blvd arch. In all, a few hundred showed up at the staging area before taking the maiden voyage throughout DTLA, where spectators were treated to a visual display of artistry as their lowriders cruised low and slow, as vintage sirens were blaring. The peaceful cruise allowed participants to showcase their custom rides and pachuco suits, and it was an eye-catching exhibition of artistic pageantry that showcased the cultural traditions and heritage of the Latino community.
Below are some of the pictures from that eventful day, and if you haven’t witnessed this side of automotive artistry, then you should definitely add it to your bucket list. We’ll see you all at the 2024 Zoot Suit Riots Cruise. To keep up do date on their next event you can follow them on IG by clicking here.
