El Grito Celebrations Draw Thousands Across Southern California, Mark Hispanic Heritage Month

Communities across the United States gathered to celebrate El Grito, marking Mexican Independence Day and the start of Hispanic Heritage Month with vibrant festivities including music, dance, and cultural pride. In Chula Vista, the Memorial Bowl hosted a family-friendly event featuring Ballet Folklórico, mariachi performances, and food vendors, drawing one of the largest crowds in recent years despite nationwide immigration enforcement concerns. Similarly, Los Angeles held multiple commemorations themed “Viva La Resistencia,” emphasizing resilience in the face of federal immigration crackdowns, with events including concerts, resource fairs, and parades. Seattle also joined in with an El Grito concert celebrating its diverse Mexican and Latino community, featuring live entertainment and a keynote address by Governor Bob Ferguson. City officials, such as LA Councilwoman Eunisses Hernandez and Chula Vista Mayor John McCann, highlighted the importance of these celebrations as acts of cultural resistance and community solidarity amid political tensions. Meanwhile, downtown Chula Vista’s Third Avenue showcased Hispanic-owned businesses, blending cultural festivities with economic support during Hispanic Heritage Month.