Mexico celebrates its Independence Day — commonly mistaken for Cinco de Mayo — on Sept. 16. This year marks the 215 anniversary of one of the most celebrated Mexican traditions, El Grito de la Independencia.

El Grito is a national holiday in Mexico, and the occasion is honored with festivals, parades and cultural events across the country. The celebration also extends across the border, with numerous events taking place throughout San Diego County.

Here’s a list of events happening around the county and Tijuana to experience the rich culture and history behind El Grito:

City of San Diego

Balboa Park

The Old Globe is celebrating Mexican Independence Day with the Mexican Consulate in San Diego and Ambassador Alicia Kerber, consul general of Mexico in San Diego. During the event, you can enjoy music and folklorico dance performances from local artists and groups, including Mariachi Continental SD, DanzArts, Radical Ensamble, Tato Monraz and Ricardo Arredondo, Música del Barrio and Los Charros de Rancho del Sol de San Ysidro.

The event is on Saturday from 11 a.m. to 1:30 p.m. at the Globe’s outdoor Copley Plaza. For a more detailed schedule, visit the Old Globe’s website.

Linda Vista

The 4th Annual Celebración Mexicana — presented by Ballet Folklorico San Diego Dance Company — will take place on Saturday from 5 to 8 p.m. at the University of San Diego’s Shiley Theatre at 5998 Alcalá Park.

Dancers of all ages will showcase new choreographies and traditional outfits, accompanied by Mariachi Real de San Diego. After the performance, guests can enjoy Mexican snacks, candy, pan dulce and artesanías available for purchase in the garden area, while the mariachi continues to play.

Chula Vista

Located just minutes away from the Tijuana border, Chula Vista is preparing for a major celebration on Sunday at Memorial Bowl in downtown from 4 to 8 p.m.

In 2024, the event drew over 3,000 attendees, making it one of the largest gatherings ever held at the park. This year, visitors can expect an exciting lineup of traditional live music, authentic Mexican cuisine from local vendors, mariachi performances and folkloric dance showcases.

For families, there will be interactive cultural activities for children and educational exhibits highlighting Mexico’s rich history and traditions.

Escondido

USA Multicultural is hosting Fiestas Patrias 2025 at Grape Day Park in Escondido on Sunday from 11 a.m. to 9 p.m.

Get ready for a day filled with live performances, including banda, charros, mariachis and folklorico, food vendors, artisan crafts, family games and giveaways. This free event honors Mexican heritage and the diverse cultures that create San Diego’s community.

Vista

Vista’s Fiestas Patrias is returning for its second annual celebration of Hispanic Heritage Month on Sunday from noon to 4 p.m.

The event brings together families, businesses and cultural organizations to honor Latino traditions through music, dance, food and history. For a full schedule of activities, visit Vista’s Chamber of Commerce website.

Tijuana

Celebrations are also happening on the other side of the border. In Tijuana, the mayor, Ismael Burgueño Ruiz, will kick off an event before a performance by Margarita “La Diosa de la Cumbia.” It will take place on Monday, starting at 6 p.m., at the Glorieta Miguel Hidalgo, located in front of the Palacio Municipal of Tijuana.

Organizers expect between 20,000 to 25,000 attendees, who will enjoy an artistic program with local talents. There will also be a live announcement from Mexico President Claudia Sheinbaum Pardo, marking her first Grito de Independencia as president. This is a free event that’s open to the community.