Chula Vista celebrated Mexican Independence Day early with music, dance and cultural pride at the Memorial Bowl.
CHULA VISTA, Calif. — Chula Vista residents gathered at the Memorial Bowl on Sunday to celebrate El Grito, marking Mexican Independence Day ahead of its official commemoration on Sept. 16. The event featured live music, traditional dances, and a variety of food vendors.
The celebration included performances by Ballet Folklórico dancers and live mariachi music, culminating in a concert by singer Tapy Quintero. Attendees expressed enthusiasm for the opportunity to connect with their cultural heritage.
“I love it. When I’m little, I do it every year in Mexico in Guadalajara, so it’s a tradition for me- for all my family. My kids [are] coming later, too. I have five kids,” said Alicia Rentería, a Chula Vista resident.
The event’s timing coincides with the start of Hispanic Heritage Month, which begins on Monday and runs through October 15th. Many attendees emphasized the importance of maintaining cultural connections across generations.
“It’s very important for us to stay in touch with our cultures, especially when I don’t have my parents alive anymore, so I have to keep going with the tradition for my kids and grandkids,” said Chula Vista Resident Lupe Herrera.
Despite recent nationwide immigration enforcement efforts, Chula Vista Mayor John McCann said it’s probably one of the best turnouts in attendance compared to the previous two years.
“We have gone out and just welcomed our community here, and this is a safe family event, and so we haven’t seen any issues,” McCann said.
Meanwhile, Hispanic Heritage Month kicks off Sept. 15 and runs through Oct. 15.