It’s almost time for the celebrations of Mexican Independence Day, which falls on Sept. 16, a Tuesday this year. Many Americans think that this is what Cinco de Mayo celebrates, but that’s actually a much less important date, involving a battle over French conquest.
To Mexicans, Sept. 16 is their 4th of July, commemorating the country’s independence from centuries of Spanish rule. On that day in 1810, a radical priest named Father Miguel Hidalgo made a famous “El Grito” or cry for Mexicans to rise up and throw off the Spanish oppressors.
Nowadays, Mexicans celebrate with Fiestas Patrias, and that includes around Southern California. Here’s a list of some in our area.
Sept. 13 — San Diego: Old Town San Diego State Historic Park celebrates Fiestas Patrias! from 11 a.m. to 4 p.m. This is a family-friendly celebration of Mexican culture and history. Crafts include making confetti eggs and paper flowers, a parade in period clothing, live performances and a guacamole-making contest. 4002 Wallace St, San Diego. parks.ca.gov/EventDetails/17659
Sept. 13-14 — Santa Ana: The city’s Fiestas Patrias celebration takes place downtown on Fourth Street and environs. Festivies are from noon to 11 p.m., Saturday, Sept. 13 and noon to 10 p.m. Sunday, Sept. 14. Enjoy a parade at 11 a.m. Sunday, street fair, live music, cultural performances and more, all free. Carnival rides and food vendors are not free. santa-ana.org/fiestas-patrias/
Sept. 14 — East Los Angeles: The oldest and largest Latino parade in the U.S. starts at 10 a.m. at Cesar Chavez and Mednik aves. (Broadcast live on KABC/7.) The festival starts at 11 a.m. Get there early, bring a hat and water and park for free at the East L.A. Civic Center, 4801 E. Third St. East L.A. Parade viewing and entrance to festival is at 1st St & S Mednik Ave. eastla-parade.com
Sept. 14 — Downtown Los Angeles: Celebrate Fiestas Patrias at El Pueblo Historical Monument (Olvera Street) starting at 6 p.m. with entertainment, folkloric performances, exhibitor booths, health screenings, prize giveaways, and more. Plus shopping and dining at the world-famous Olvera Street Mexican marketplace. El Pueblo Historical Monument, 5 Olvera Street East, Los Angeles. elpueblo.lacity.gov/events
Sept. 14 — Downey: Celebrate El Grito with mariachi, folklore, and live music. Free admission at the Downey Theatre. 5-10 p.m. Enjoy a musical folklore festival featuring headlining performances by Mariachi Premier from El Grullo, Jalisco, Las Meñinas from Jalisco, and guest talent from Zacatecas and Mexicali. Mexican food, crafts and booths. Get free tickets on EventBrite. eventbrite.com/e/el-grito-de-independencia-2025-tickets-1653133259079. Downey Theatre, 8435 Firestone Blvd. Downey.
Sept. 14 — Lynwood: A Fiestas Patrias event at the Plaza Mexico shopping mall will take place from 3 to 10 p.m. Live music, games, family fun, cultural celebrations. 3100 E. Imperial Highway, Lynwood. facebook.com/shopplazamexico
Sept. 14 — Oxnard: Fiestas Patrias will be celebrated 10 a.m. to 8 p.m. at Plaza Park with a parade and festival. More information to come. C Street, Oxnard. visitoxnard.com/events/fiestas-patrias-parade-and-festival/
Sept. 14 — Vista: A Fiestas Patrias celebration, from noon to 4 p.m., will include a Grito ceremony, mariachi, ballet folklorico and other performances. There also will be a soccer tournament, kids play area. Linda Rhoades Rec Center, 600 N. Santa Fe Ave. Vista. vistachamber.org/fiestas-patrias/
Sept. 14 — Escondido: Enjoy live mariachi, ballet folklorico and banda music at Grape Day Park from 11 a.m. to 9 p.m. Festivities will include an El Grito ceremony, Catrinas and Charros roaming the park, family games and giveaways, food vendors and beer garden. 321 North Broadway, Escondido. eventbrite.com/e/fiestas-patrias-tickets-1551214828309
Sept. 15 — Downtown Los Angeles: A Mexican Independence Day Celebration will take place from noon to 6 p.m. at El Pueblo Historical Monument (Olvera Street.) The Council of Mexican Federations (COFEM) will present an afternoon of cultural performances, dancing, and traditional entertainment. 125 Paseo de la Plaza, Los Angeles. elpueblo.lacity.gov/events
Sept. 15 — Moreno Valley: An El Grito Mexican Independence Day celebration is set for 6-10 p.m. Music, entertainment, kids activities and more. Moreno Valley Civic Center Amphitheater, 14075 Frederick St., Moreno Valley. moval.org/parks-comm-svc/event-el-grito.html
Sept. 18 — Anaheim: Fiestas Patrias at the Downtown Anaheim Farmers Market. from 11 a.m. to 3 p.m. Celebrate Hispanic Heritage Month highlighting Latino-owned businesses. 201 West Center St., Anaheim. downtownanaheim.com
Oct. 11 — Pasadena: A Latino Heritage Festival will feature live music and dance performances from 5 to 9 p.m. The city decided not to have the traditional parade this year “given the issues impacting our beloved community.” Centennial Square in front of Pasadena City Hall, 100 N. Garfield Ave. Family-friendly arts and crafts, bounce houses and games. Resource booths, artisan marketplace and food vendors. pasadenalatinoheritageparade.org