ONE BIG THING: CELEBRATING EL GRITO
What is El Grito?
“El Grito de Dolores” or “The Cry of Dolores” is the name given to the annual celebration of Mexico’s Independence from Spain. “El Grito” is a reference to the call to revolt against injustice given by Mexican priest Father Miguel Hidalgo y Costilla, in the early hours of September 16, 1810 – an event which is seen as marking the beginning of Mexico’s ten year long war for Independence.
Every year, on September 15, the eve of Mexico’s Independence Day, Mexican and Latine people around the world gather to recreate this historic moment. It is a moment for Mexican and Latine people to unite and reflect on the values and traditions where our culture is rooted.
September 15 is also the Independence Day for Costa Rica, El Salvador, Honduras, Guatemala, and Nicaragua, while September 18 is the anniversary of Chile’s independence. For that reason, September 15 marks the beginning of Latino Heritage Month in the United States, and the annual celebration of El Grito has become meaningful for many, especially in Los Angeles.
Why it Matters
For the last 82 years, El Grito has been one of the City’s largest events, held in Gloria Molina Grand Park and on the historic steps of Los Angeles City Hall.
Los Angeles is home to the largest population of Mexican people of any city outside of Mexico City in the world, and half of our city’s residents are of Latino descent. As the son of Mexican immigrants from Zacatecas, El Grito holds a particularly special importance for me – it’s not only a celebration of Mexican independence, but also a celebration of the music, food, and traditions that make our culture and our city so special.
El Grito 2024
This year, we will serve as the Chair and “Padrino” (Godfather) of this year’s Latino Heritage Month. This year’s free event will have live music, drinks, food, and family activities, in front of City Hall at Gloria Molina Grand Park, on Sunday, September 15 from 5pm-midnight.
This year’s theme for El Grito is “La Fiesta del Pueblo” (The People’s Festival) – a celebration of the working people, indigenous communities, women, and organizers who are such an integral part of the cultural identity of Los Angeles, and of the revolutionary history of the Mexican people.
The event will include a free concert featuring performances by El Dasa, Lorenzo Mendez, Mariachi Divas, and Julian Torres, as well as a performance of the US National Anthem by Janet Uribe.
In addition to music, this year’s celebration will feature delicious food and artisanal products from some of the city’s best street vendors with support from Community Power Collective – as well as activation booths with fun activities provided by the event’s sponsors.
WHERE: Gloria Molina Grand Park, 200 N Grand Ave, Los Angeles, CA 90012
WHEN: Sunday, September 15 – 5pm-Midnight
