Alisal to host El Grito festival the same day Mexico traditionally celebrates the Cry of Dolores
SALINAS, Calif., (KION-TV)- This is a special year for Tradicion por Siempre, the non-profit organization behind the "El Grito," festival on Alisal St., in Salinas. As organizers expect thousands of people to attend, they also incorporated new attractions. The ceremony of the "El Grito", also coincides with the traditional Cry of Dolores in Mexico; an event that takes place the night of September 15 every year.
Representatives from Tradicion por Siempre agree that this is a special day for the celebration, as the festival will take place the day of Mexico's Cry of Dolores. Every year, the festival in Alisal St., has been schedule on a Sunday closest to September 16, the day in which Mexico gain its independence from Spanish regime in 1810, according to Mexico government history data.
The last time the calendar coincided with this date, on a Sunday, was in the year 2013. Another opportunity presented itself in 2019; yet, due to the pandemic, all outdoor events were cancelled.
Every year, the "El Grito" festival attracts thousands of people from all over the region, according to the organization. In 2017, before the pandemic, the last record reached a maximum attendance of 50 thousand people.
The community in Salinas, as in the Mexican Republic, celebrates for two days. But, some may still wonder, what does the phrase “El Grito” mean, and why is it celebrated?
HISTORY: According to history data of the Mexican Government. In the early morning of September 16, 1810, the priest Miguel Hidalgo y Costilla, urged the people of Dolores in Guanajuato, to rise up in an independence movement, after the compatriots of his cause were captured and taken prisoner. The intended rebellion had been planned for December, but in the face of these events, the Mexican people went ahead.
Since then, in Mexico, communities gather in their municipalities to perform the “Grito de Dolores” on the night of September 15, followed by the commemoration of independence on September 16.
El Grito 2024
In Salinas, the celebration began on Saturday with a parade that started at the corner of Towt Street, followed by E. Alisal Street, and returned to E. Market Street.
The organization, Tradición por Siempre, says that this year there were more people who registered to participate in the parade. They also said that the reason for having the parade a day before the festival is to invite the community and remind them that the “big” celebration is coming.
The festival will be on Sunday, September 15 on Alisal Street, some road closures are expected beginning at 5:00am and will continue all day until 8:00pm . This will be from S. Madeira Street to S. Filice Street. The ceremony, to commemorate El Grito de Dolores (The Cry of Dolores), will be performed in person by Consul General Alejandra Bologna at 1:00pm. The festival runs from 11:00 am to 6:00 pm.
For the first time, a Mexican Wrestling ring will be presented, and there will be three stages distributed for the entertainment of the attendees. The Alegría Musical Stage, at the end of S. Madeira, will feature a lineup of local artists, bands, and live music. The La Campesina Stage, at the Filice end, will feature a lineup of musical talent. Finally, the Stage Cultural on N. Hebbron Street, which brings folkloric ballet groups, regional music, Aztec dance, and live performances by various cultural talents.
