The heart of downtown L.A. was alive with music, dance and cultural pride Saturday night as crowds gathered at Grand Park for “El Grito” – the annual Mexican Independence Day celebration.
The event, held in front of City Hall, drew a large and enthusiastic crowd, filling the park with the sights, sounds and flavors of Mexican culture. Traditional dancers in colorful dresses spun across the stage, mariachi music filled the air and vendors served regional food favorites, creating a festive atmosphere for the thousands in attendance.
“El Grito,” or “The Cry,” commemorates the 1810 call to arms that launched Mexico’s war for independence from Spain. This year’s event carried the theme “Viva La Resistencia”– “Long Live the Resistance.”
Across town, Mayor Karen Bass hosted a private celebration at the Getty House, the official mayoral residence near Hancock Park, to mark the start of National Hispanic Heritage Month. The monthlong observance, running from Sept. 15 through Oct. 15, recognizes the contributions and culture of Hispanic and Latino Americans.
“You know our theme is ‘voices of resilience’ … it’s ‘voices of resilience and voices of resistance,’” Bass told the cheering crowd. “That is what we are about today. That is what we are about every day.”
But alongside the celebrations, some activists raised concerns about the political climate and its impact on immigrant communities. Ron Gochez of Union del Barrio, an independent political organization, said the struggle for justice continues.
“At this time in history, we see that obviously we’re still not free,” Gochez said. “So that battle for independence continues.”
Gochez also criticized U.S. immigration policy, comparing federal enforcement actions to historic injustices.
“Only because something is legal doesn’t mean that it’s morally right,” he said. “I think history will judge the United States and its policy right now against our people and it will be an embarrassment.”
Despite the tensions, organizers said this year’s events remain focused on celebrating culture and community.
The Mexican Civic Patriotic Committee will host its 79th annual East L.A. parade on Sunday, featuring floats, school marching bands and more live music.
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