Go Metro to 5 free events to celebrate Mexican Independence Day

We’re just days away from September 16, when Mexico will celebrate the 214th anniversary of its Independence, a date known by many as “El Grito.” Where does this phrase come from?

In the early hours of September 16 in 1810, the bells of the church in the town of Dolores Hidalgo, Guanajuato, rang loudly. Father Miguel Hidalgo y Costilla, with an urgent call known as “El Grito de Dolores,” gathered the people in the town square and invited them to rise up against Spanish rule. This marked the beginning of the fight for Mexico’s freedom, known as ‘El Grito de Independencia,’ i.e. Independence Cry.

This historic date will also be celebrated with events in Los Angeles. Here are five FREE events you can go with your family to this weekend, all easy to reach via Metro trains and buses: 

1) East LA Parade 

The East Los Angeles Mexican Independence Day Parade and Festival is an annual celebration of Mexican culture and history. It has been a tradition in East Los Angeles since 1946 when it was first organized by the Mexican Patriotic Civic Committee. Don’t miss it, as there will be traditional dances, Mexican food, decorated floats and equestrian groups. This year, Metro will be present as a sponsor of the event. 

• When: Sunday, September 15 

• Where: Corner of E. César E. Chávez Ave. and Mednik Ave. 

• Time: 10am – 5pm 

• Go Metro: Take the Metro E Line to East LA Civic Ctr Station. You can also take the Metro Line 70 to Mednik / Cesar E Chávez. 

• For more information: eastla-parade.com/ 

2) El Grito at LA City Hall 

The City of Los Angeles invites you to celebrate El Grito, with this year’s theme being “La Fiesta del Pueblo,” honoring workers, indigenous people, women, and organizers who are integral to Latin culture and history. Performers include El Dasa, Lorenzo Mendez, Julián Torres, and the Mariachi Divas of Cindy Shea. There will also be food vendors and artisans. The tradition includes Los Angeles leaders joining the Mexican Consul General to recreate the historic Grito de Dolores and the ringing of the bell. The event’s padrino will be Councilmember Hugo Soto-Martinez from District 13, and Metro is also one of the sponsors. 

• When: Sunday, September 15 

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

• Time: 5:00 pm -10:30pm 

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

• For more information: www.cd13.lacity.gov/news/ 

3) LA Plaza 

LA Plaza de Cultura y Artes will commemorate one of the most important celebrations in Mexican and Mexican-American culture, offering families a day to reaffirm their heritage and identity. Attendees will enjoy free art workshops, traditional dances, mariachi, and even cumbia from guest artists. There will also be plenty of food, including delicious tamales and refreshing ‘aguas frescas.’ 

• When: Sunday, September 15 

• Where: La Plaza de Cultura y Artes – 501 N. Main St., Los Angeles, CA 90012 

• Time: 12-5pm 

• Go Metro: Take the Metro J Line to Aliso St./Los Angeles St. You can also take the Metro Line 78 to Spring / César Chávez. 

• For more information: Fiestas Patrias Family Day | Free – LA Plaza de Cultura y Artes (lapca.org)  

4) Olvera Street  

This festival promises traditional entertainment, including a variety of dances from Mexico, along with food stalls and face painting for kids. 

• When: Sunday, September 15 

• Where: Olvera Street – 125 Paseo de la Plaza, Los Angeles, CA 90012 

• Time: 12-6pm 

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

• For more information: elpueblo.lacity.gov/events 

5) Downey Night Market  

Downtown Downey’s Night Market will have a special Mexican Independence Day theme. The event will feature over 70 vendors, 10 food stalls, live music, entertainment, and even prize giveaways. 

• When: Thursday, September 12 

• Where: 11002 Downey Ave., Downey, CA 90241 

• Time: 5-9pm 

• Go Metro: Take the Metro Line 115 to Firestone / Downey OR the Metro Line 127 to Downey Transit Center. 

• For more information: eventbrite.com/downtownDowney 

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. 

• Plan your transit trip using Google Maps, Apple Maps, the Transit app, the Moovit app or the trip planner on metro.net.