Upcoming Mexican Independence Day events in San Diego, Tijuana
SAN DIEGO (FOX 5/KUSI) -- As Mexico celebrates its 215th Independence Day on Sept. 16, San Diego County and Tijuana are hosting several events recognizing the holiday.
Many celebrations are being downsized or canceled this year over concerns about immigration raids. The Mexican Consulate will not be hosting their larger events in San Diego this year for similar concerns, according to reporting by The San Diego Union Tribune. However, the Consul will still attend several local events.
Mexican President Claudia Sheinbaum said that while conditions in the United States should be considered, people must “be careful” as they celebrate.
San Diego County
Old Town San Diego will have festivities on Saturday from 11 a.m.-4 p.m. “Fiestas Patrias” will feature live entertainment, a “guac’ off,” crafts and a parade.
“The park invites families, locals, and visitors to join in a festive celebration honoring the start of Mexico's fight for Independence,” the event website states. “Join Old Town San Diego State Historic Park for this family-friendly celebration of Mexican culture and history!”
Balboa Park’s Old Globe Theatre is kicking off its Independence Day celebration on Saturday from 11 a.m.-1:30 p.m. The event includes serval local artists and cultural performances by groups such as DanzArts, Radical Ensemble, Mariachi Continental SD and more.
Throughout the day there will be folklorico dancers, live music and band performances. A schedule of events can be found on The Old Globe website.
There will be a special appearance from the Consul General of Mexico in San Diego, Ambassador Alicia Kerber, at 12:57 p.m., who will recite the historic speech “El Grito.”
At the Memorial Bowl in Downtown Chula Vista, residents will be treated to live entertainment and the “El Grito” ceremony by the Consul General of Mexico’s Office in San Diego from 4 p.m.-8 p.m. on Sunday.
On Sept. 16, the Fonda Del Barrio restaurant is hosting a ribbon cutting celebration with the Barrio Logan Association and All for Logan at 3:30 p.m. This celebration will feature live music and curated food from the restaurant.
North County
In Vista, those celebrating will be able to attend “Vista's Fiestas Patrias,” from 12 p.m.-4 p.m. This Sunday event will feature folklorico performances, mariachis and local food.
On Sunday, those from Escondido can celebrate at Grape Day Park. The event named “Fiestas Patrias Festival” is from 12 p.m.-9 p.m.
Tijuana
Announced by the XXV City Council of Tijuana, people will be able to watch a free performance on Monday by Margarita La Diosa de la Cumbia in front of Tijuana City Hall at 6 p.m. Following the performance there will be a live showing of Mexican President Claudia Sheinbaum as she recites “El Grito” in Mexico City.
City officials are expecting a large turnout, Tijuana is preparing for a 15 percent increase in visitors for the holiday, according to The Border Report. Tijuana’s Deputy Director of Public Relations Frank Deniz is expecting 20,000 to 25,000 people in attendance on Monday.
