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Guatemalan Band Denied Visas To US Ahead Of Rose Parade

LOS ANGELES (CBSLA.com) — For float volunteer Diane Rodriguez, the Tournament of Roses parade cuts close to the heart.

Her mother realized she was pregnant 33 years ago while attending the world famous event.

"I've been doing it with my family since I was a little kid, coming to see the parades," Rodriguez said.

This year's parade was supposed to include an added bonus for many Guatemalan-American families.

The band seen in this video was scheduled to perform on New Year's Day at the parade.

BANDA PEDRO MOLINA 2010 ROSE PARADE by Jeimy Franco on YouTube

 

The band is called the Pedro Molina band and they are from Guatemala.

Richard De Jesu, the Parade Music Committee Chariman said, "They unfortunately were unable to secure a visa to be able to travel to the US for the parade, and unfortunately looks like they will not be able to be in the parade."

The group was extended an invitation to come back to perform at the parade just one year ago.

The Tournament of Roses has been working with elected officials in the US Embassy to help the band.

Each band at the parade is responsible for their own travel, logistics and fundraising.

Rodriguez says it's unfortunate for the 340 band members, who are mostly kids, who will not get to share their culture and lively music on a world stage.

The band performed as recently as 2010.

"It's very understandable that it's harder to get visas because there's been heigthened security because of all the terrorist attacks that have been going on," Rodriguez added.

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