Mexican Independence Day is on September 16 but the celebration begins days before in both San Diego and Tijuana, Mexico.
The official start of Mexican Independence Day begins with El Grito the night before. According to historians, this celebration recreates the so-called cry of independence from priest Miguel Hidalgo y Costilla that took place at dawn on September 16, 1810, in what is now known as Dolores Hidalgo, Guanajuato.
Although historians do not agree exactly on what words were called out, today El Grito is a harangue where the heroes of Mexican independence are remembered. It concludes with "¡Viva México!"
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For Mexicans living in or visiting San Diego, here are some options to celebrate El Grito and the Fiestas Patrias de Independencia on this side of the border. Mexico, of course, is close enough for a celebration south of the border, so we also have events happening in Tijuana.
Esto es lo que necesitas saber para festejar el día del grito de la independencia en Tijuana
Sunday, Sept. 10
Fiestas Patrias Latinas in Oceanside
10 a.m. to 6 p.m. in Mission San Luis Rey, Oceanside
According to the event page, there will be live music, folk dances, and food sales. The public is encouraged to dress for the occasion.
Thursday, Sept. 14
Mariachi Vargas de Tecalitlán
6 p.m. at Centro Cultural de Tijuana, Mexico
Mariachi Vargas will be performing. Tickets cost $1,500 pesos (about $88), $2,000 pesos (about $118) and $2,500 pesos (about $147). More here.
Friday, Sept. 15
El Grito de Independencia en Barrio Logan
5 p.m. at Chicano Park, San Diego
This Grito event honors, according to the event page, our ancestors, celebrates our cultura and reminds our community that the struggle for self-determination is not over.
El Grito en Little Italy
5 p.m. at the Mexican Consulate of San Diego
The Mexican consulate in partnership with Univision San Diego, La Invasora 99.7 and Pulsar 107.3 present El Grito with a show that includes live music, including a tribute to Luis Miguel "El Sol de México", banda music, folkloric dances, mariachi and more. There will be Kermés, Mexican snacks.
Grito de la independencia del Ayuntamiento de Tijuana
10 p.m. at the Reloj Monumental de la Avenida Revolución, Tijuana, Mexico
The official ceremony led by Tijuana Mayor Montserrat Caballero will feature a free concert by guest artist Pancho Barraza and his band.
Ópera a la Mexicana
9 p.m. in Terraza Manhattan in Tijuana, Mexico
According to the organizers, "the opera dresses in mariachi and the stage is filled with Mexican passion on September 15." For more information about this event, click here.
Noche mexicana contemporánea
7 p.m. in Teatro Valentina at la Avenida Revolución en Tijuana, Mexico
With a dance performance titled, "Mexicano: ciudadano del mundo." More details, here.
El grito con rock en español
6 p.m. in Popotla Restaurant & Bar, Rosarito, Mexico
The organizers promise a good family atmosphere, live music and fireworks at 8:30 p.m.
What else is happening around town?
Saturday, Sept. 16
Fiestas Patrias in Old Town
11 a.m. in Casa de Estudillo, San Diego
Explore Old Town State Historic Park this September 16 as Latinx Heritage Month kicks off by celebrating Fiestas Patrias in the park. It is a celebration where Mexican independence and culture from Mexico and the U.S. are celebrated. During the event, the public is invited to make Cascarones y Flores de Papel with live music.
El Grito in Chula Vista
5 p.m. at Memorial Park, Chula Vista
Mayor John McCann will partner with the Consulate General of Mexico and the House of Mexico for the El Grito Celebration on Saturday, September 16.
Desfile conmemorativo por el día de la independencia de México
9:30 p.m. in zona Centro, Mexico
The parade starts in Zona Centro and goes to la Avenida Independencia, in Zona Río, then passes in front of Palacio Municipal.
Sunday, Sept. 17
Festival de Fiestas Patrias
11 a.m. at Grape Day Park, Escondido
According to the organizers, there will be a sale of crafts, live music, and activities for the whole family as well as a folkloric dance representing various regions of Mexico. There will also be food, beer and wine sales.
