Mexico celebrates independence in Bay Area

SAN JOSE, Calif. - Hispanic Heritage Month kicks off this weekend by commemorating the independence days of various Latin American countries.

Sept. 15 and 16 are significant because it is the anniversary of independence for Costa Rica, El Salvador, Guatemala, Honduras, Nicaragua, and Mexico.

San Jose’s Consul General of Mexico Alejandra Bologna joined KTVU on Friday to talk about "El Grito" celebrations happening Sunday at City Hall.

Starting at 1 p.m., there will be musical and dance performances along with traditional food and merchandise vendors.

The main part of the night is "El Grito de Dolores" which commemorates a battle cry during Mexico's war of independence from Spain on Sept. 16, 1810.

Consul Bologna is set to deliver the traditional cry of "Viva la Independencia! Viva México" from the balcony of City Hall with San Jose Mayor Matt Mahan at 7:30 p.m. 

The family-friendly event starts at 1 p.m. and goes until 9 p.m.

A similar ceremony is planned in San Francisco with Consul General Ana Luisa Vallejo.

Consul Vallejo will be joined by Mayor London Breed.

The official "El Grito" ceremony is scheduled to take place on Sunday at 8 p.m. at Civic Center Plaza in San Francisco.