Courtesy of COSA Department of Arts & Culture

Let’s honor Hispanic Heritage Month and commemoration of Mexican Independence Day, September 16. It was on this day in 1810 that Miguel Hidalgo y Costilla initiated the fight for freedom as he made a grito (cry), which sparked the beginning of Mexico’s battle of Independence from Spain.

A sample of 2023 events include:

September 8: Fotos y Recuerdos Exhibit Opening Reception at Centro Cultural Aztlan

September 15: El Grito Civic Ceremony & Cultural Program at Historic Market Square

September 16: 42st Annual Dieciséis de Septiembre Parade begins at the corner of Brazos and Guadalupe

September 16 – 17: LULAC’s Diez y Seis Fiestas Patrias at Historic Market Square

September 16 – 23: URBAN-15 Group’s “Accion!” Virtual Latino Film Screenings takes place online

September 17: US Mint-Smithsonian Jovita Idár Quarter Celebration at Historic Market Square

September 23 – 24: Mezclas Acústicas at the Esperanza Peace and Justice Center

September 30: Diez y Seis Mariachi Festival at La Villita Historic Arts Village

October 13: Celebrando Tradiciones – Cuentos, Bailes y Música at the Guadalupe Theater

October 14: 6th Annual Fiesta Alegria takes place online

October 14 – 15: San Antonio Charro Association Anniversary Charreada takes place at Padre Park

The City of San Antonio Diez y Seis de Septiembre Commission was established in 1994. Through its vision and leadership, the Commission hosts cultural events, children and senior citizen programs and educational endeavors that take place throughout the city as part of the official annual commemoration in San Antonio. Each event is created to promote an understanding of the historical significance of Mexico’s Day of Independence. Members: Mari Sandoval-Ayala, Chairwoman, Ismael Ala Torre, Robert Cuellar, Jeanette Flores, Lourdes Galvan, Jeremy Landin, Belinda Menchaca, Connie Rodriguez, Jose Rodriguez, Robert Romo, Lupe Torres and Gabriel Quintero Velasquez. Teri Castillo is San Antonio City Council District 5 Councilwoman and Liaison to the Diez y Seis de Septiembre Commission.