SAN DIEGO (FOX 5\/KUSI) \u2014\u00a0San Diego is home to a large Mexican American community, which means the city knows how to go big when it comes to celebrating Mexican Independence Day.<\/p>\n
The holiday lands on Sept. 16 and marks the start of an 11-year war that culminated in Mexico’s independence from Spanish rule. The main festivities, however, commence the night before when the El Grito celebration is held to honor the rallying call that started the country’s fight for freedom.<\/p>\n
In Mexico City, every year around 11 p.m. on Sept. 15, the president rings a bell from the National Palace balcony to mark El Grito. While we might not have a palace here in San Diego, we have plenty of ways to celebrate Mexican Independence Day across the county.<\/p>\n
El Grito: Banda La Reina<\/p>\n
On Sept. 15 from 7-9 p.m., Tierra Caliente Academy of Arts is hosting an evening celebrating Mexican culture, heritage and history. There will be live performances, including the traditional Toque de Bandera, Himno Nacional, Juramento a la Bandera and the Grito de Independencia.<\/p>\n
Special guests and artists include Banda La Reina de SD. Los Cadetes de Santiago Avilez and LuMaya. The event<\/a> will be held at the California Center for Arts in Escondido and is free.<\/p>\n El Grito Celebration at Memorial Park<\/p>\n The city of Chula Vista is bringing back its popular annual Mexican Independence Day celebration<\/a> to Memorial Park and Bowl on Sunday, Sept. 13. From 4-8 p.m., visitors can enjoy live performances, traditional mariachi, folkl\u00f3rico dancers, local food vendors, a craft market and a celebration of the rich Mexican culture.<\/p>\n There will also be a traditional El Grito ceremony featuring Banda de Guerra. The event is free and open to all ages.<\/p>\n Mexican Independence Day Celebration<\/p>\n The Consulate of Mexico in San Diego and House of Mexico in Balboa Park are coming together for an event <\/a>celebrating Mexican Independence Day. On Saturday, Sept. 12, The Old Globe’s outdoor Copley Plaza will transform into a space filled with traditional mariachi music, the aroma of sweet churros and live dance performances.<\/p>\n There will also be a pi\u00f1ata\u00a0workshop, loteria games and a sing-along of the traditional Mexican National Anthem.<\/p>\n