El Grito de Independencia de Mexico reenactment happening downtown

AUSTIN (KXAN) -- The community attended the El Grito de la Independencia de Mexico that happened from 6 p.m. to 9 p.m. downtown.

The event is free and "marks the 215th anniversary of the beginning of the independence of Mexico," according to a news release from the Austin-Saltillo Sister Cities Association (ASSCA). The event is a collaboration with the Mexican Consulate in Austin, Downtown Austin Alliance Foundation, the city of Austin, Garcia Injury Law, Casa Garcia's Mexican Restaurant & Cantina and Texas Gas Services.

One participant Angel Pinales told KXAN why this celebration and tradition is special to their community.

"It's about embracing my culture, being able to meet with all my Hispanic folks, making sure that we all have a safe and wonderful time together," Pinales said.

Celebrating El Grito de la Independencia de Mexico is a "unique and special day for Mexico," Pinales said. "It shows the independence from the Spanish civilization. It shows all our freedom that we didn't have before; but now we do."

Entertainment will include Roy Lozano's Ballet Folklorico de Texas, Mariachi Capital and more, according to the release. The event will also have a Mexican artisan mercado, as well as information on "a community resource fair with information on health care, immigration and the Texas, Mexico and Austin shared history."

Tickets are available on the eventbrite website here.