One of the biggest celebrations in Los Angeles is undoubtedly the Independence of Mexico, which is celebrated every September 16. However, what happened on September 15, 1810, cannot be ignored. On that date, the priest Miguel Hidalgo incited the people of Dolores to rise up in arms against the Spanish Viceroyalty by summoning them by ringing the bells of their parish and eloquently shouting the reasons why they could not wait to start fighting. For this reason, the event is called “El Grito,” according to the Mexican government.

To celebrate these dates, here are five ALL FREE events that will take place throughout the month and where you can go and enjoy with family and friends. And they’re easy to reach on Metro buses and trains.

1) East LA Parade

Did you know that the first parade to celebrate Mexican Independence in East Los Angeles took place in 1946? That’s right, it has become a tradition rich in culture and art. This year the parade will have decorated floats; as well as typical dances, live music, food and fun.

When: Sunday, September 10.

Where: Belvedere Park Lake – 4914 E Cesar E Chavez Ave. East Los Angeles, CA 90022.

Time: 10:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m.

Metro: Take the Metro E Line to East LA Civic Ctr Station. You can also take the Metro Line 258 to Mednik / Cesar E Chávez.

For more information visit: eastla-parade.com

2) El Grito al LA City Hall

The City of Los Angeles invites the community to participate in El Grito, Somos LA. This year’s madrina will be Councilwoman Monica Rodriguez; Metro is also a sponsor of this event. The celebration will have live music with Banda Machos, Las Cafeteras, Las Colibrí and Banda las Angelinas. Vendors from Goddess Mercado will also be there. You will be able to enjoy a variety of food, a resource fair and even a silent disco. This annual tradition includes Los Angeles leaders joining the Mexican Consul General in recreating the historic Grito de Dolores.

When: Friday, September 15.

Where: Los Ángeles City Hall – 200 N. Spring St. Los Angeles, CA 90012

Time: 5:00 p.m. to 11:00 p.m.

Metro: Take the Metro B/D Line to Civic St./Grand Park OR take the Metro A/E Line to Historic Broadway Station.

For more information visit: monicarodriguez.org/events/el-grito

3) Mexican Independence Day Celebration in Compton

To celebrate the cry for independence and to welcome Hispanic Heritage Month, the City of Compton invites the community to enjoy a day full of entertainment with food, music, art, games, cultural activities and more.

When: Saturday, September 16.

Where: Gonzales Park – 1101 West Cressey Street Compton, CA 90222.

Time: 12:00 p.m. to 6:00 p.m.

Metro: Take the Metro Line 125 to Rosecrans / Dwight OR the Metro Line 205 to Wilmington / Rosecrans.

For more information visit: Evenbrite.com/save-the-date-mexican-independence-day-celebration

4) Community Ride: About El Grito and Chicanx Art Tour of DTLA

The Downtown Los Angeles Community Bike Ride will give you the opportunity to learn about Chicanx history and communities through public art. One of the stops on the tour will be in front of a mural located in La Placita Dolores, commemorating Miguel Hidalgo’s famous call to action to resist Spanish colonial rules. The tour will be in English and Spanish.

When: Saturday, September 23.

Where: The meeting point is at Union Station West Portal – 834 N Alameda St Los Angeles, CA 90012.

Time: 10:00 a.m. to 12:00 p.m.

Metro: Take the Metro B/D/A Line to Union Station.

For more information visit: bikeshare.metro.net

5) El Grito celebration at Long Beach

When: Saturday, September 23.

Where: Lincoln Park – between Pacific Ave & W Broadway Long Beach, CA 90802.

Time: 11:00 a.m. to 9:00 p.m.

Metro: Take the Metro A Line to Downtown Long Beach.

For more information visit: downtownlongbeach.org

If you need assistance with the Metro system, you can use Google Maps or call Metro at (323).GO.METRO / (323)-466-3876. This service is available in English and Spanish Monday through Friday from 5 :00 am to 9:00 p.m. and weekends from 6:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. to 6:00 p.m.

How to ride

•A regular one-way fare is $1.75 with two hours of free transfers. Our reloadable TAP fare cards can be purchased from TAP machines at Metro Rail and Busway stations for $2 plus fare. You can also ride all day for $5 and all week for $18. Just use a TAP card with stored value.

•Popular trip planning options include Google Maps, Apple Maps, the Transit app, the Moovit app or metro.net.