Celebrate Mexican Independence 'El Grito' Style

Celebrate Mexican independence with a shout.

"El Grito," the shout, is in commemoration of when Father Miguel Hidalgo y Costilla, shouted a message of freedom and revolt against Spain's rule from his church balcony in the Mexican state of Guanajuato Sept. 15, 1810.

The incident sparked the start of the uprising leading to Mexico's independence.

To honor the day the Mexican Council of Tampa Bay and the city of Clearwater invite residents to join in the "Shout of Independence" street party titled "El Grito" from 3 to 11 p.m. Saturday, Sept. 15, at the corner of Cleveland Street and Missouri Avenue.

The East Gateway District is home to a large percentage of the city's Hispanic residents.

The free event includes live entertainment including headliners, direct from Mexico, La Arrasadora Banda Huracán, Orquesta La Ricotana and Banda San Antonio de Zacatecas.

Local performers Mahetzi and Trio Amistad Huasteca also will be part of the festivities. There event also will have bounce houses, face painters.

The event culminates with a ceremonial exchange of Mexican and U.S. flags by government officials at 10 p.m.

Call Ekaterini Gerakios, Community Development Manager, 727-562-4047.