Councilmember Imelda Padilla proudly serves as the Madrina of this year’s El Grito in Los Angeles, leading a celebration centered on the theme City of Angels.

El Grito is the City’s signature civic celebration commemorating Mexican Independence Day and the historic call for freedom known as El Grito de Dolores. Rooted in Mexican history, the celebration has grown into a powerful expression of cultural pride, resilience, and the generations of Latino communities that currently comprise 50 percent of the city’s population who have helped build and sustain the cultural fabric of Los Angeles.

In addition to the traditional ringing of the bell, live music, local artists, cultural performances, food, community vendors, and family-friendly activities, the celebration creates opportunities for Angelenos to connect across neighborhoods.

While honoring Mexican Independence, this year’s Latino/Hispanic Heritage Month also recognizes the vibrant diversity of Los Angeles’ Latino communities—encompassing a rich tapestry of people with roots in Mexico, Central America, South America, and the Caribbean

This year’s theme “City of Angels” is set to bring together thousands to pay tribute to our largest diaspora starting at the heart of the Civic Center and through each corner of our city to celebrate our deep cultural roots and our shared destiny.