Hundreds of attendees dressed in patriotic colors and vibrant costumes gathered at San Jose City Hall on Tuesday evening for the 216th anniversary of Mexican Independence Day. The celebration culminated in “El Grito,” or “The Cry,” delivered by Consul General Neftalí Said Pérez González alongside San Jose Mayor Matt Mahan.
Patricia Rivera Esparza of San Jose, who was brought to the U.S. from Mexico as a one-year-old, wore elegant traditional Mexican ranchera attire to honor the heritage passed down by her parents—a cultural tradition she explained in fluent Spanish, she now passes on to her children and grandchildren. Meanwhile, fellow San Jose resident Alfredo Gonzalez became one of the most popular attendees of the night. Wearing a striking Guerrero Azteca (Aztec Warrior) costume, he was constantly approached by crowd members eager to take a souvenir photo. While his style contrasted sharply with Esparza’s, both embodied the same magnetic charisma.
Elsewhere, attendees sampled an array of Mexican food, finding it hard to choose among the delicious smells and appealing presentations. The event featured a wide range of Mexican music, from timeless classics to modern hits, alongside folkloric dances, games, and arts and crafts. Outside, Mexican flags waved along Santa Clara Street in front of City Hall.
Read more Young but good: How Castro Valley has taken next step in flag football
As night fell, an escolta (color guard) composed of staff members from the Consulate General of Mexico in San Jose presented the Mexican flag to Consul General Pérez González on the first-floor balcony. Decorated in the Mexican tricolor, the balcony featured the iconic bell central to the historic ritual. Mayor Mahan rang the bell as the crowd echoed the rhythmic chants of “¡Viva México! ¡Viva México! ¡Viva México!”—a call followed by the Mexican National Anthem reverberating through downtown San Jose.
The ritual honors the original “Cry of Dolores,” the 1810 battle cry issued by Father Miguel Hidalgo y Costilla that launched Mexico’s war of independence against Spain. September 15 also marks the beginning of Hispanic Heritage Month, a period during which several other Latin American nations—including Costa Rica, El Salvador, Guatemala, Honduras, Nicaragua, Chile, and Belize—celebrate their own independence.
Read more Affordable homes near San Jose train hub land key state-linked funding
About the Author
