Every September 16, Mexicans around the world celebrate the beginning of their country’s fight for independence.
In Tucson, the celebration takes on a special meaning for people who live thousands of miles from Mexico.
The Mexican War of Independence began in the early morning hours of Sept. 16, 1810, when Catholic priest Miguel Hidalgo y Costilla called on the people of Dolores, Guanajuato, to rise up against Spanish colonial rule. The event became known as the “Grito de Dolores.”
More than two centuries later, the tradition continues in communities far beyond Mexico’s borders.
For Fernando Sánchez, Mexico’s Consul in Tucson, celebrating Independence Day in the United States brings a personal dimension to the tradition.
“It means a lot, it means heritage, it means something special,” he says. “Because a border may divide two countries, but it cannot divide our culture, our history, our family or our sense of belonging.”
The celebration is also an opportunity for Mexican families in Southern Arizona to pass traditions on to younger generations.
“The feeling, the pride, of being Mexican,” Sanchez says "You're proud of being Mexican. You feel your roots, you feel your culture.”
Today, El Grito is celebrated both throughout Mexico and by Mexican communities around the world. The ceremony traditionally includes patriotic chants, the ringing of a bell and the waving of a Mexican flag. Mexican consulates around the U.S. wave a Mexican flag saying: “Viva Mexico”
Sanchez says it's a feeling that’s hard to describe.
“It's a great moment of enormous pride, but also a great responsibility,” he says. “When you stand there holding the Mexican flag and saying the names of the women and the men that gave us our independence. You're part of the history, and doing it here in front of the Mexican community makes it even more special. For those few minutes, you feel that Mexico is not far away. Mexico is right here with us.”
In Tucson, those traditions offer a reminder that for many people, home is not necessarily defined by a border.
Particularly in Tucson, people have celebrated this festivity for years, with mariachi, folklorico, mexican food and a “fiesta” full of colors and culture. Here are some of the major local events commemorating Mexican Independence Day and National Hispanic Heritage Month:
Diez y Seis - Mexican Independence Day
Date & Time: Wednesday, September 16, 2026, at 5:00 PM
Venue: Main Event Tucson, 4700 South Landing Way, Tucson, AZ 85714
Details: A lively restaurant fiesta featuring food, music, and festivities marking the historic date.
El Grito Fiesta
Date & Time: Saturday, September 19, 2026, at 7:00 PM
Venue: American Legion Post 59 Cocio Estrada, 750 North Grande Avenue, Tucson, AZ 85745
Details: Indoor family-friendly event with live music by the Suavecito Band, dancing, food, and a Grito (shout) competition.
Fiesta Mexicana 2026
Date & Time: Sunday, September 20, 2026, at 4:00 PM
Venue: Knights of Columbus, 601 South Tucson Boulevard, Tucson, AZ 85716
Details: Annual fundraiser presented by the United Hearts of Arizona featuring Mexican food, live entertainment, folklórico dancing, and a traditional El Grito de Independencia ceremony led by the Consulate of Mexico in Tucson. Tickets are $20 for adults and $10 for children ages 3–12.
Vamos A Tucson Mexican Baseball Fiesta
Date & Time: Thursday, October 1, 2026
Venue: Kino Veterans Memorial Stadium, 2500 East Ajo Way, Tucson, AZ 85713
Details: The 15th annual outdoor, family-friendly cultural event celebrating Mexican baseball traditions.
