Weekend Events Celebrate Mexican Independence Day

The 181st anniversary of Mexican Independence Day will be marked this weekend with a variety of celebrations, climaxed by the traditional “El Grito” ceremonies Sunday night outside Los Angeles’ City Hall.

The ceremonies at City Hall, sponsored by the City of Los Angeles, the Mexican Consulate General, the Mexican Civic Patriotic Committee and KMEX, will begin at 7 p.m. with entertainment. Jose Angel Pescador Osuna, the Mexican consul general in Los Angeles, will lead the traditional call for independence that was given in 1810 by Father Miguel Hidalgo y Costilla.

In addition to the celebration and entertainment fests at a number of locations, a special program, “Viva L.A.,” will be presented Sunday at the Los Angeles Music Center from noon to 5 p.m. The Music Center will also hold a “Viva Los Artistas” brunch on Sunday at 10 a.m. to honor prominent Latino entertainers.