Mesa to celebrate Mexico's clarion call as much-loved 'El Grito' celebration returns

Mesa, Arizona: Mesa is all set to celebrate its Multicultural Fair and El Grito celebration, as East Valley is set to be festooned with the colors of tradition and diversity. The event will be held at Pioneer Park on September 14. Last year’s event was a big hit with over 1,000 attendees, and this year's expected to be even larger.

Visitors to the fair can spend their time shuttling between food trucks, craft vendors, all the while taking in some of the many culutural events taking place at the fair set to the sounds of DJs.

What is the history behind El Grito?

While not quite Mexican Independence Day, El Grito comes close. It marks the start of Mexico's strugge for independence from teh Spanish, and it all began in the town of El Grito de Dolores (now Dolores Hidalgo, in the state of Guanajuato).

It was here, on September 16, 1810, that Miguel Hidalgo y Costilla, a Catholic priest, rang the bell of the town church and called for the people to rise up against the Spanish authorities.

In his famous speech, now referred to as 'El Grito', Hidalgo rallied the people to fight for Mexico's independence, justice, and the end of Spanish oppression. While the exact words of the speech are unknown, it is traditionally believed that he called for an end to Spanish rule, the redistribution of land, and the abolition of slavery.

The event is celebrated every year on the night of September 15 and the morning of September 16, with the President of Mexico reenacting 'El Grito' from the balcony of the National Palace in Mexico City.