How to Celebrate El Grito De Dolores in Los Angeles

Many Americans confuse Cinco de Mayo (May 5) with El Grito de Dolores. Cinco de Mayo commemorates a battle that Mexico won over the French in 1862. El Grito de Dolores, Mexico's true Independence Day, was Mexico's call for independence on September 16, 1810. It was the day when Father Miguel Hidalgo announced his "cry" in the town of Dolores, encouraging Mexico's people to revolt against Spanish occupation. Mexico won its independence 11 years later. Today in Mexico and the United States, El Grito is still celebrated on September 16. Here are some local ways to commemorate this happy event.

Difficulty: Easy

Instructions

1. Find accommodations well ahead of time if you will be traveling into Los Angeles for El Grito. Try to find a hotel that will be close to the events you plan to attend. This way, you will not have to battle too much traffic during your stay. Staying downtown should put you close to the action.

2. Celebrate El Grito de Dolores on the Los Angeles City Hall Steps. Each year, the city hosts a reenactment of El Grito, where crowds shout "Viva Mexico" ("long live Mexico") as they do in Mexico. The event kicks off Mexican Independence Day celebrations throughout LA, as well as the month-long appreciation for Hispanic Heritage in the U.S. Check local calendars for the exact time of this event.

3. Attend the Mexican Independence Day celebration at El Pueblo National Historical Monument (see Resources below). It is one of the largest Independence Day celebrations in Los Angeles, and it is free and open to the public.

4. Attend fiestas throughout the week. El Grito de Dolores coincides with several other Latino independence days. Los Angeles, with its large Latino population, will be the site of many colorful parties throughout these holidays.

5. Follow your El Grito celebration by celebrating Hispanic Heritage Month. The month goes from September 15 to October 15 and is a chance to learn about and celebrate the many cultures and countries which Hispanic Americans come from, including Mexico. In Los Angeles, there are many festivals and fiestas you can attend to extend the fun and education for another month.

Tips & Warnings

• Remember that not everyone attending El Grito celebrations understands Mexico's history. Be friendly and have patience with attendees who have no ties to Mexico. They are there to celebrate, too.
• If you book a hotel room downtown, prepare yourself mentally for the very large homeless population. Downtown LA is home to magnificent buildings and wonderful cultural centers, but it is also home to LA's Skid Row.

Resources

• Visit Olvera Street for more information about El Pueblo Historic Monument hours and events