Mexico\u2019s 216th Independence Day celebrations kick off this weekend across San Diego County.<\/p>\n
\u201cIt\u2019s a historic day that is part of our identity,\u201d said Alicia Kerber, the consul general of Mexico in San Diego, calling on generations of Mexicans abroad to embrace and celebrate their heritage.<\/p>\n
Mexican Independence Day is celebrated every year on Sept. 16, and the local festivities will begin early<\/a>. On Saturday, Kerber will lead the \u201cEl Grito\u201d ceremony at the Old Globe Theatre in Balboa Park. The occasion commemorates the \u201cgrito,\u201d or call, made by priest Miguel Hidalgo y Costilla in 1810 that marked the beginning of the independence movement.<\/p>\n On Sunday, the Mexican consul general will again lead the ceremony\u00a0at Chula Vista\u2019s Mexican Independence Day annual celebration, hosted by the city.<\/p>\n As has been the case before, other consulate representatives will conduct ceremonies in other events throughout the county. \u201cWe will go wherever the community is,\u201d said Kerber.<\/p>\n In 2025, the consulate scaled back its annual celebration amid concerns<\/a> about increased immigration enforcement operations. This year, Kerber said she senses that the immigrant community is \u201cmore cautious and prepared,\u201d and she urged those planning to attend any event to do so safely and responsibly and to have a family plan.<\/p>\n Saturday<\/p>\n The Old Globe in Balboa Park. Mexican Independence Day Celebration<\/a>. 11 a.m. to 1:30 p.m. Featuring live music by Mariachi Continental San Diego, Zully Mart\u00ednez and Gaby Bojorquez. Performances by Danzarts Dance Company, Ballet Folkl\u00f3rico Yi-M\u00e1 and Los Charros de Rancho del Sol de San Ysidro. The event will also feature a pi\u00f1ata workshop, a Loter\u00eda game and food trucks. El Grito ceremony to be led by Consul General of Mexico in San Diego Alicia Kerber at 1 p.m. 1363 Old Globe Way, San Diego. Free.<\/p>\n Old Town San Diego State Historic Park. Fiestas Patrias: Celebrate Mexican Independence Day<\/a>. 11 a.m. to 4 p.m. Live entertainment, community parade, hands-on traditional crafts, historic cooking demonstration, guacamole contest and more. 4002 Wallace St., San Diego. Free.<\/p>\n Escondido. Fiestas Patrias Festival<\/a>. 5 p.m. to 10 p.m. Event organized by USA Multicultural. El Grito ceremony, mariachi and live music, danza folkl\u00f3rica, food and craft vendors, beer and margarita garden, and kids zone. Grape Day Park, 321 N. Broadway, Escondido. Free.<\/p>\n Sunday<\/p>\n Chula Vista. El Grito.<\/a> 4 p.m. to 8 p.m. Special performance by opera singer and Chula Vista resident Manuel Vera, live mariachi, danza folkl\u00f3rica, marketplace, vendors and food. El Grito ceremony by Consul General of Mexico in San Diego Alicia Kerber at 7 p.m. Memorial Bowl, 373 Park Way, Chula Vista. Free.<\/p>\n Vista. Vista\u2019s Fiestas Patrias<\/a>. Noon to 4 p.m. Performances by Rancho Buena Vista High School Ballet Folkl\u00f3rico, Tierra Caliente Academy, Mariachi Internacional de San Diego, Ballet Folkl\u00f3rico Moncayo, Danza de los Diablos and Ballet Folkl\u00f3rico Sangre Mestiza. Mexican history, Best Dressed and Loter\u00eda contests, and food. El Grito ceremony at 1 p.m. Linda Rhoades Recreation Center, 600 N Santa Fe Ave., Vista. Free.<\/p>\n San Diego. Fiestas Patrias at Holy Spirit Parish<\/a>. 8:30 a.m. to 7 p.m. Performances by Geraldy, Rita \u00c1valos, Ray Navarrete, Flor Hermosa, Grupo Furia de la Sierra, DJ Fusion and danza folkl\u00f3rica. Food. El Grito ceremony by a Mexican Consulate representative at 3 p.m. 2725 55th St., San Diego. Free.<\/p>\n Escondido. Fiestas Patrias Festival<\/a>. 11 a.m. to 5 p.m. Event organized by USA Multicultural. El Grito ceremony, mariachi and live music, danza folkl\u00f3rica, food and craft vendors, beer and margarita garden, and kids zone. Grape Day Park, 321 N. Broadway, Escondido. Free.\n<\/p>\n Tuesday<\/p>\n