Celebration Sunday to Mark ‘El Grito’

A celebration Sunday evening on the steps of San Fernando City Hall will commemorate “El Grito,” the famous cry for freedom that led to Mexico’s independence from Spain.

Musical and dance groups representing a variety of Latin American cultures will perform at the public celebration to mark “El Dieciseis de Septiembre”--Sept. 16--the day many Latin American countries celebrate their freedom from Spain.

“Our main motivation is that we have a very diverse Latino population in San Fernando and this is something that brings people together and increases cultural awareness,” said San Fernando Mayor Rosa Chacon, who suggested the event during a recent City Council meeting.

On Sept. 16, 1810, Father Miguel Hidalgo y Costilla, a parish priest from the central Mexican town of Dolores, rang the town bells and then issued his famous call to arms against the Spanish colonial forces. Hidalgo’s actions precipitated an 11-year struggle that resulted in Mexico gaining its independence in 1821.

Sunday’s festivities, scheduled from 8 to 11 p.m. at San Fernando City Hall, 17 Macneil St., will feature the Chico Band, Ballet Folklorico Ollin and other performers. For more information, call the San Fernando Recreation and Community Services Department at (818) 898-1290.