Only a few days left until September 16th, when Mexico celebrates the 214th anniversary of its independence. This date is known to many as “El Grito”. Where does this expression come from?

In the early hours of September 16, 1810, the church bells in the town of Dolores Hidalgo, Guanajuato, rang loudly. Father Miguel Hidalgo y Costilla gathered the people in the town square with an urgent call known as “El Grito de Dolores,” urging them to rise up against Spanish rule. This marked the beginning of the fight for Mexico’s freedom, known as “El Grito de Independencia,” or Cry for Independence.

This historic date is also being celebrated with events in Los Angeles. Here are five FREE events to attend with your family this weekend, all easily accessible by subways and buses:

1) East LA Parade

The East Los Angeles Mexican Independence Day Parade and Festival is an annual celebration of Mexican culture and history. It has been a tradition in East Los Angeles since 1946, when it was first organized by the Mexican Patriotic Civic Committee. Don’t miss it, as there will be traditional dancing, Mexican food, decorated floats and equestrian groups. This year, Metro will be a sponsor of the event.

• When: Sunday, September 15

• Where: Corner of E. César E. Chávez Ave. and Mednik Ave.

• By subway: Take the E subway line to the East LA Civic Ctr stop. You can also take the 70 subway line to Mednik. / Cesar E Chavez.

2) El Grito at LA City Hall

The City of Los Angeles invites you to celebrate El Grito. This year’s theme is “La Fiesta del Pueblo” and honors workers, indigenous peoples and women, and organizers who are an integral part of Latin American culture and history. Artists include El Dasa, Lorenzo Mendez, Julián Torres, and Cindy Shea’s Mariachi Divas. There will also be food vendors and artisans. The tradition includes Los Angeles politicians joining with the Mexican Consul General to recreate the historic Grito de Dolores and the ringing of the bell. The padrino of the event will be Councilman Hugo Soto-Martinez of District 13, and Metro is also one of the sponsors.

• When: Sunday, September 15

• Where: Los Angeles City Hall – 200 N. Spring St., Los Angeles, CA 90012

• Time: 5:00 p.m.–10:30 p.m.

• By subway: Take the B/D subway line to the Civic Ctr/Grand Park stop OR take the A/E subway line to the Historic Broadway stop.

3) LA Plaza

LA Plaza de Cultura y Artes will celebrate one of the most important festivals of Mexican and Mexican-American culture, offering families a day to affirm their heritage and identity. Participants can participate in free art workshops, traditional dances, mariachi., and even cumbia from guest artists. There will also be plenty of food, including delicious tamales and refreshing “aguas frescas.”

• When: Sunday, September 15

• Where: La Plaza de Cultura y Artes – 501 N. Main St., Los Angeles, CA 90012

• By subway: Take the J subway line to Aliso St./Los Angeles St. You can also take the 78 subway line to Spring. / Cesar Chavez.

4) Olvera Street

This festival promises traditional entertainment, including various dances from Mexico, as well as food stalls and face painting.

• When: Sunday, September 15

• Where: Olvera Street – 125 Paseo de la Plaza, Los Angeles, CA 90012

• By subway: Take the B/D/A/J subway lines to Union Station.

5) Downey Night Market

The Downtown Downey Night Market will have a special Mexican Independence Day theme. The event will feature over 70 vendors, 10 food vendors, live music, entertainment, and even prize draws.

• When:Thursday, September 12

• Where:11002 Downey Ave., Downey, CA 90241

• By subway:Take subway line 115 to Firestone / Downey OR take the 127 subway line to the Downey Transit Center.

How to drive

• Regular single fare is $1.75 with two hours of free transfers. Our reloadable TAP cards can be purchased at TAP machines at Metro and bus stations for $2 plus fare. You can also ride all day for $5 and all week for $18. Just use a TAP card with stored value.

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