Mexico’s 216th Independence Day celebrations kick off this weekend across San Diego County.
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“It’s a historic day that is part of our identity,” said Alicia Kerber, the consul general of Mexico in San Diego, calling on generations of Mexicans abroad to embrace and celebrate their heritage.
Mexican Independence Day is celebrated every year on Sept. 16, and the local festivities will begin early. On Saturday, Kerber will lead the “El Grito” ceremony at the Old Globe Theatre in Balboa Park. The occasion commemorates the “grito,” or call, made by priest Miguel Hidalgo y Costilla in 1810 that marked the beginning of the independence movement.
On Sunday, the Mexican consul general will again lead the ceremony at Chula Vista’s Mexican Independence Day annual celebration, hosted by the city.
As has been the case before, other consulate representatives will conduct ceremonies in other events throughout the county. “We will go wherever the community is,” said Kerber.
In 2025, the consulate scaled back its annual celebration amid concerns about increased immigration enforcement operations. This year, Kerber said she senses that the immigrant community is “more cautious and prepared,” and she urged those planning to attend any event to do so safely and responsibly and to have a family plan.
Mexican Independence Day Celebration. 11 a.m. to 1:30 p.m. Featuring live music by Mariachi Continental San Diego, Zully Martínez and Gaby Bojorquez. Performances by Danzarts Dance Company, Ballet Folklórico Yi-Má and Los Charros de Rancho del Sol de San Ysidro. The event will also feature a piñata workshop, a Lotería 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.
Fiestas Patrias: Celebrate Mexican Independence Day. 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.
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Fiestas Patrias Festival. 5 p.m. to 10 p.m. Event organized by USA Multicultural. El Grito ceremony, mariachi and live music, danza folklórica, food and craft vendors, beer and margarita garden, and kids zone. Grape Day Park, 321 N. Broadway, Escondido. Free.
El Grito. 4 p.m. to 8 p.m. Special performance by opera singer and Chula Vista resident Manuel Vera, live mariachi, danza folklórica, 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.
Vista’s Fiestas Patrias. Noon to 4 p.m. Performances by Rancho Buena Vista High School Ballet Folklórico, Tierra Caliente Academy, Mariachi Internacional de San Diego, Ballet Folklórico Moncayo, Danza de los Diablos and Ballet Folklórico Sangre Mestiza. Mexican history, Best Dressed and Lotería contests, and food. El Grito ceremony at 1 p.m. Linda Rhoades Recreation Center, 600 N Santa Fe Ave., Vista. Free.
Fiestas Patrias at Holy Spirit Parish. 8:30 a.m. to 7 p.m. Performances by Geraldy, Rita Ávalos, Ray Navarrete, Flor Hermosa, Grupo Furia de la Sierra, DJ Fusion and danza folklórica. Food. El Grito ceremony by a Mexican Consulate representative at 3 p.m. 2725 55th St., San Diego. Free.
Fiestas Patrias Festival. 11 a.m. to 5 p.m. Event organized by USA Multicultural. El Grito ceremony, mariachi and live music, danza folklórica, food and craft vendors, beer and margarita garden, and kids zone. Grape Day Park, 321 N. Broadway, Escondido. Free.
El Grito que defiende al pueblo. 5 p.m. to 8 p.m. Event organized by Unión del Barrio. Event to raise awareness and promote culture. 1949 Logan Ave., San Diego. Free.
El Grito de Independencia. Starts at 6 p.m. Free concert by Ernesto Solano ‘La Voz Original y su Maguey,’ as well as performances by local artists. A live stream of the Grito ceremony by Mexican President Claudia Sheinbaum from the Zócalo in Mexico City will be followed by a ceremony by Tijuana Mayor Abdiel Gutiérrez. Glorieta Miguel Hidalgo in front of Tijuana’s Palacio Municipal. Blvd. Independencia 9302, Zona Río, Tijuana. Free.
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