Danza Azteca performed at the 47th Annual Chicano Park Day celebration. Photo by Chris Stone

Thousands gathered Saturday in Chicano Park to celebrate the park and pay tribute to the late Chicano leader and musician Ramon “Chunky” Sanchez at the 47th annual Chicano Park Day.

Family members of Ramon “Chunky” Sanchez pay tribute to him at the 47th Annual Chicano Park Day. Photo by Chris Stone

With the theme “Ramón Chunky Sánchez: El Corazón Del Pueblo,” family members raised a flag and fists to pay respect to Sanchez, who died in October, two days before his 65th birthday.

The celebration of the park that was established in 1970 included Ballet Folklorico Yaqui and Nanahuatzin, Danza Azteca, performances by Mujeres en Resistencia and Los Chinelos de Morelos.

Music was performed by groups including Village K.O.R.E., Grupo Folklorico Psion a Mexico, Los FabuLocos, Ruby Clouds, and Ballet Folklorico CalifAzztlan.

In addition, food and merchandise booths filled the park, which was filled with extended families.

Chicano Park has received international recognition as a major public art site for its colorful mural paintings of the past and present struggle of Mexican and Chicano history.

Amigos Car Club organized the car show on the adjacent street.

The 47th Annual Chicano Park Day was celebrated by thousands of people with music, food, a car show and a tribute to Ramon “Chunky” Sanchez. Photo by Chris Stone
Members of the family of Ramon “Chunky” Sanchez raise flags at the 47th Annual Chicano Park Day. Photo by Chris Stone
A young girl applauds at Chicano Park Day. Photo by Chris Stone
The memorial to four people who were killed in Chicano Park when a truck plunged off the Coronado Bridge in October shows a trial date for the driver. Photo by Chris Stone
The 47th Annual Chicano Park Day was celebrated by thousands of people with music, food, a car show and a tribute to Ramon “Chunky” Sanchez. Photo by Chris Stone
Some participants wore beautiful dresses and painted their faces at the annual Chicano Park Day. Photo by Chris Stone
The 47th Annual Chicano Park Day was celebrated by thousands of people with music, food, a car show and a tribute to Ramon “Chunky” Sanchez. Photo by Chris Stone
A car show was an attraction of the 47th Annual Chicano Park Day Photo by Chris Stone
Danza Azteca performed at the 47th Annual Chicano Park Day celebration. Photo by Chris Stone
Danza Azteca performed at the 47th Annual Chicano Park Day celebration. Photo by Chris Stone
Danza Azteca performed at the 47th Annual Chicano Park Day celebration. Photo by Chris Stone
Muralist Sal Barajas recently completed a mural at Chicano Park which recognizes theBorder Angels for its assistance to migrants. Photo by Chris Stone
Muralist Sal Barajas (left) and Border Angels Founder Enrique Morones discuss a recently-completed a mural in Chicano Park. It recognizes the work of Border Angels. Photo by Chris Stone
A member of the Brown Berets pays tribute to Ramon “Chunky” Sanchez at the 47th Annual Chicano Park Day celebration. Photo by Chris Stone
Family members of Ramon “Chunky” Sanchez, who died in October, pay tribute to him at the 47th Annual Chicano Park Day celebration. Photo by Chris Stone
Family member of Ramon “Chunky” Sanchez, who died in October, raise a flag at the 47th Annual Chicano Park Day celebration. Photo by Chris Stone
Isabel Sanchez, Ramon’s widow, and young family members pay tribute to him at the 47th Annual Chicano Park Day celebration. Photo by Chris Stone
Family members of Ramon “Chunky” Sanchez pay tribute to him at the 47th Annual Chicano Park Day. Photo by Chris Stone