As Mexico prepares to celebrate its 214th Independence Day, many people in the United States, including throughout San Diego County, are also celebrating.

The official Mexican Independence Day is September 16, but on Sunday several events are held to commemorate the Grito de Delores – the Cry of Delores.

NBC 7’s sister station, Telemundo 20, is celebrating El Grito with a special broadcast. Watch on Telemundo California and click here to learn more.

On September 16, 1810, Catholic priest Miguel Hidalgo y Costilla rang a church bell in Dolores, Mexico and issued a call to arms, sparking the Mexican War of Independence. It took a bloody 11 years and 12 days to achieve independence from Spain, but on September 28, 1821, the Mexican Empire’s Declaration of Independence was signed.

In San Diego’s historic old town, the Fiestas Patrias began on Saturday at the Old Town State Historic Park with a parade honoring the Escaramuzas, traditional horsewomen.

In addition, visitors can experience traditional crafts, living history demonstrations and historic mud brick walks, with folklorico dancers from Gift of Dance performing throughout the day.

Avocado lovers can sample participants’ contributions at the first-ever Old Town Guac’ Off to find the best guacamole in the neighborhood.

September 16th is Mexican Independence Day. If you still confuse it with Cinco de Mayo, this video is for you. NBCLX News Now anchor Eric Alvarez explains its history and how it is celebrated.

In the South Bay, Chula Vista will celebrate “El Grito” on Sunday, with Chula Vista Mayor John McCann hosting Ambassador Alicia G. Kerber-Palma, Consul General of Mexico in San Diego, for a traditional Mexican Independence Day celebration.

This event will take place from 4 p.m. to 8 p.m. at Chula Vista’s Memorial Park, 373 Park Way, and will feature mariachi, folklorico ballet and music by norteño singer Tapy Quintero.

“We are honored that Ambassador Kerber-Palma will be coming to Chula Vista to participate in El Grito for the first time since arriving in San Diego in February,” McCann said. “Our event will be a celebration of culture and independence.”

San Diego County’s official “El Grito” begins at 7:30 p.m. with a flag march by students from the Preparatoria Federal Lázaro Cárdenas and Kerber-Palma from Tijuana performing “El Grito” and a rendition of the Mexican national anthem.

Excavation

If you are in North County, head to the Fiestas Patrias Festival at Grape Day Park in Escondido, 321 N Broadway.

The all-day event begins with a church mass at noon, followed by traditional dances, mariachis, folkloric ballet and live performances by artists such as Los Montano.

There will be two stages, a beer and wine garden, food and craft stalls, and a children’s area throughout the day. There will be an official “El Grito” performance at 9:30 p.m.

Ocean side

Or visit Oceanside, where the city is kicking off National Hispanic Heritage Month with the 16th annual Oceanside Noche Mexicana 2024 at 1 p.m.

The event will feature performances by Ballet Folklorico Tapatio de Oceanside, Los Hijos de Beltrán, Mariachi Mi San Diego and other local Latino bands, singers and dancers. The event will culminate with a re-enactment of Grito de Dolores.

Other venues include the City of Vista and Chicano Park in Barrio Logan.