We honor Hispanic Heritage Month and Mexican Independence Day from the 15th of September through Oct. 15 each year through a meaningful roster of events, including community processions, film screenings, and come-one, come-all fiestas.

In Southern California, there are numerous ways to commemorate the Miguel Hidalgo y Costilla’s “Grito de Dolores” and the origins of Mexican independence, including at a large-scale parade that arrives before Mexican Independence Day, which is Sept. 16.

Begin your revelries early, on Sept. 13, at the East Los Angeles Mexican Independence Day Parade & Festival, a free daylong event.

The parade, which includes “a display of floral floats, folklórico dancers, equestrian teams, and high-energy marching teams,” begins at 10 a.m., and arriving by Metro is recommended.

East LA Civic Center Station is near the well-attended event, which is celebrating 80 years in 2026; find directions and tips on attending at this site.

Also taking place on Sept. 13 is the beloved Fiestas Patrias at Plaza México in Lynwood.

A host of performers will gather together to musically remember “… the moment Mexico began its path to freedom,” with special Mexican Independence Day Grito ceremony; bell ringing and “shouting a patriotic cry” is also on the celebratory schedule.

The 18th Annual Hola Mexico Film Festival, the “largest Mexican film festival outside of Mexico,” returns Sept. 25 through Oct. 3.

The Montalbán Theater in Hollywood, Regal Cinemas LA Live in Downtown Los Angeles, and other locations will welcome filmmakers for screenings, Q&As, and other cinematic festivities.

“Antigone: In the Language of Kings” is the annual theatrical event at the Getty Villa in Pacific Palisades this fall.

Set to shimmer on select nights through Oct. 3, the reimagining of the classic play visits “… the vibrant world of pre-conquest Tenochtitlan, Mexico” while pondering “… themes of loyalty, familial duty, and the clash between divine and state edict.”

Aztec mythology will play a central role in the stirring stage presentation, an event filled with music and poetic flair.

Lucha Libre is headed to a McDonald’s in Whittier, and, a few days later, a Van Nuys McDonald’s. El Hijo de Rey will be in attendance, and luchadores from Tijuana and the Golden State, too.

The Whittier McDonald’s address is 15000 Whittier Boulevard, and the lucha fun is happening from 5 to 7 p.m. Sept. 18.

The Van Nuys McDonald’s location is 7045 Van Nuys Boulevard, the date is Sept. 26, and the hours are also 5 to 7 p.m.; prizes and other special doings will festoon both festivities.

Lucha Libre is also returning to the Museum of Latin American Art in Long Beach in late September; find dates, meet & greets with luchadores, and other energetic events, all running from Sept. 23 through 27, at the MOLAA site.

Latino Restaurant Week is another major Long Beach highlight; the dates are Oct. 5 through 11 and over a dozen restaurants are signed up to participate.

Jubilant gatherings at LA County Parks will happen throughout Hispanic Heritage Month.

Entertainment, activities, craft-making, and other community-centered offerings will take place at Valleydale Park in Azusa, Sunshine Park in La Puente, and other destinations in the system on select dates.

And Los Angeles Public Library has several joyful events coming up, including the bilingual Los Angeles Libros Festival at the Central Library Sept. 26.