Downtown Santa Rosa’s central square was transformed Tuesday night into a plaza for thousands celebrating Mexican Independence Day.
El Grito Fest marked its debut with a vibrant display of Latin American pride — amid a time when many such events have been called off or quieted as the Trump administration seeks to carry out the largest mass deportation in U.S. history.
Tuesday’s turnout was both a showcase of cultural jubilance and symbol of defiance and solidarity for many of those in attendance.
The crowd gathered about 5 p.m. to join in the traditional grito, a battle cry that traces back to Mexico’s fight for 19th century fight for independence from Spain.
By 7 p.m., the crowd had swelled to an estimated 4,000, according to organizers, as couples danced to live music from Banda Súper Clave.
Many wore the Mexican flag draped over their shoulders or waved it aloft. Others came in traditional attire, carrying flags representing their Central American heritage.
Food trucks and vendors lined the plaza and families dined in tight circles across the square.
Delia and Carlos, a Santa Rosa couple who asked to share only their first names, brought their two young kids. The celebration helps to keep family traditions alive, they said.
“We enjoy celebrating our (Mexican) independence as a community,” Delia said.
The highlight of the night was a performance by Los Cadetes de Linares, a Mexican norteño group that gained prominence in the 1980s.
“They are very good,” said, Danisio, a Santa Rosa man who grew up in that era, listening to their music. He also preferred to share only his first name.
He was energized by Tuesday’s turnout.
“It’s very important for the community to come together and show support and love,” he said. “That’s what we need.”
The grito, the punctual moment in Mexico’s revolutionary Cry of Dolores speech, was led by Santa Rosa Vice Mayor Eddie Alvarez. It evoked tears in many who joined him, yelling at the top of their lungs.
“Viva México!” they sang, belting out the Mexican National Anthem in unison.
Alvarez also gave a shout-out to region’s diverse and deep-rooted community of immigrants: “Viva!” he added, with emphasis. “Viva Santa Rosa!” — Long live Santa Rosa!
The event, organized by local Spanish radio stations La Maquina Musical y La Musikera, also offered space for those celebrating the independence for El Salvador, Guatemala, Honduras and Nicaragua, whose emigrants have long made up the large Latin American diaspora living in California and across the United States.
“It felt very emotional,” said organizer Miriam Gomez.
When Los Cadetes de Linares took the stage at 8 p.m. the crowd spanned the square.
Audience members chanted along as the group performed a string of hits, which included “Llévale esta carta a Esther,” “No hay novedad,” “El Palomito,” and “El Asesino.”
The event adds to the roster of local events celebrating Mexico Independence Day, including a long-running celebration in Sonoma, a hub of Mexican rule in the region long before California became part of the United States.
Fabian Villanueva, who oversees digital marketing at La Musiquera, said that the primary goal of the Santa Rosa’s inaugural Grito Fest was to empower the Latino community. He was overwhelmed by the turnout.
“To say, we’re here and we’re not leaving,” he said.
You can reach La Prensa Sonoma Editor Raquel Issenberg at raquel.issenberg@laprensasonoma.com.