Hoisting miniature red, white and green flags and shouting “Viva México,” thousands of people poured into Denver’s Civic Center on Sunday afternoon to celebrate Mexican Independence Day.
“El Grito,” or “The Cry,” as the event is called, honors the day when Catholic priest Miguel Hidalgo y Costilla declared Mexico’s independence from Spain on Sept. 16, 1810.
Sunday’s festivities in downtown Denver, one of many Mexican independence celebrations held over the weekend, featured two stages with live music, vendors selling traditional Mexican food, and rides for kids.
Organizers estimate their event drew a record 35,000 people this year, the most in its 13-year history.
“This is our Fourth of July,” said Janet Galvan, an 18-year- old Denver resident who attended Sunday’s event with a group of friends.
Although historically more significant, El Grito is often overshadowed by the more popular and commercial Cinco de Mayo, which commemorates Mexico’s victory over the occupying French army May 5, 1862.
El Grito is “an important celebration of our culture and heritage,” said Denver resident Luiz Cruz, 24, who attended Sunday’s event with his wife, Lordes, 23, and their two children.
The 6-month-old napped in Luiz Cruz’s arms while his wife and the 4-year-old scoped out the small Ferris wheel and inflated moon walk for kids.
Luiz Cruz said: “This is a day for family.”
Staff writer Amy Brouillette can be reached at 303-820-1316 or abrouilette@denverpost.com.
