Mexican Independence Day

The 181st anniversary of Mexican Independence Day will be marked with a variety of celebrations this weekend. The ceremonies at City Hall will be sponsored by the city of Los Angeles, the Mexican Consulate General, the Mexican Civic Patriotic Committee and KMEX-TV. In addition, a parade and other activities will mark the 177th anniversary of the independence of the Central American United Provinces, which ended Spain’s domination in Guatemala, El Salvador, Honduras, Nicaragua and Costa Rica.

Here is a list of selected local activities: * El Grito de Dolores--Festivities commemorate the cry of independence given by Father Miguel Higaldo y Costillas in the town of Dolores, Mexico, on Sept. 15, 1810; speakers, musicians and dancers; City Hall, Spring Street steps; 7 to 11 p.m. Sunday. Free.

* El Grito Festival--Entertainment and food at El Pueblo de Los Angeles Historic park; Main and Los Angeles streets; 3 to 10 p.m. Friday, and 10 a.m. to 10 p.m. Saturday and Sunday, (213) 688-7330. Free.

* Viva L.A.--Festival of live music, sponsored by the Music Center and radio stations KTNQ/KLVE; entertainers include Guadalupe Pineda, Jose Luis Rodriguez and Mariachi Sol de Mexico; Music Center Plaza, enter on 1st and Hope streets; noon to 5 p.m. Sunday, (213) 972-7211. Free.

* Family Affair--Exhibits by master craftsmen and music, dance and theater for children; Lawry’s California Center,

570 W. Avenue 26, 11 a.m. to 11 p.m. Saturday and Sunday, (213) 224-5744. Free.

* East L.A. Parade--50th annual Mexican Independence Day Parade, sponsored by the Mexican Civic Patriotic Committee, begins at 1st and Lorena streets and moves east on 1st to Gage Avenue, north on Gage to Brooklyn Avenue, east on Brooklyn to Mednik Avenue, and south on Mednik to 1st Street; 1:30 p.m. Sunday, (213) 948-5411. Free.

* Central American Parade--The 7th annual Central American Independence Day Parade and Festival begins at Union Avenue and Pico Boulevard, proceeds east on Pico to Alvarado Street and north on Alvarado to MacArthur Park, where the festival will be held; 11 a.m. Sunday for parade, 1:30 p.m. for festival, (213) 483-3083. Free.

* Artesia--Mariachi Alma de Mexico, Teatro de los Puppets; A.J.

Padelford Park, 16912 Clarkdale Ave.; noon to 3 p.m. Sunday, (213) 865-6262. Free.

* Belvedere Park--Entertainment sponsored by KALI-AM, 4914 E. Brooklyn Ave., East L.A., 11 a.m. to 7 p.m. Saturday and Sunday, (213) 466-6161. Free.

* Compton--Food and entertainment sponsored by the Los Angeles County Parks and Recreation Department; Mona Park, 2291 E. 121st St.; noon to 4 p.m. Saturday, (213) 639-2413. Free.

* Pico Rivera--Rodeo with musical entertainment sponsored by the Spanish-language radio station KWKW; Pico Rivera Sports Arena, 3400 San Gabriel Parkway; 8 a.m. to 6 p.m., Sunday, (213) 466-8111. Free.

* Pomona--Mexican fireworks display; Los Angeles County Fair, Fairplex Racetrack Grandstand; 8:45 p.m. Sunday. Fair tickets: $8 adults, $4 children.