El Grito: A celebration of Mexican Independence, Heritage and Culture in Phoenix.

Reporter: Natalia Velador Carrillo

PHOENIX - El Grito was performed passionately, as the crowd came together yelling “Viva”  in unison. Showcasing the love and pride they have for their culture and independence. Pride that was shared by Mexican Deputy Acosta, who came all the way from Sonora.

Calling it the most important celebratory day in Mexican history, Acosta emphasized the importance of celebrating Mexican ancestry and culture wherever Mexicans are.

“I came to Phoenix to meet with Mexican families to preserve those roots and culture and to tell the world our values,” Acosta said. “Values of family, unity, and joy that represent what being  Mexican is.”

 Phoenix councilmember Betty Guardado shared this sentiment but also expressed nervousness about the fourth annual Mexican Independence Day event hosted in Phoenix.

“I’m hoping that people do come out,” she said. “I’m hoping that people want to come out and want to be a part of this.”  

​Mexican pride and spirit was clearly evident as people celebrated by wearing red, white, and green; all colors of the Mexican flag. Attendees talked and danced with each other as the live Mariachi and band performed, playing classics like ‘​​La Cucaracha’ and ‘La Chona’. 

But Guardado said she understands why people would choose not to come out. 

“We know that our federal government has done a lot to put fear into our community,” Guardado said. “Our biggest obstacle is the federal government.”

Phoenix’s annual celebration hosted on Sept. 13, attracts thousands of people every year. The Mexican Independence tradition of El Grito in Arizona was pioneered by District 5 Councilmember Betty Guardado in the hopes that the celebration would help bring Arizona’s Mexican community together.

“To remind people how amazing our culture is and what a rich history we have back in Mexico,” Guardado said. 

El Grito emerged in 2022 out of the need for connection and community after COVID-19 restrictions were lifted.

Guardado saw this event as a way to bring joy using the celebration of their independence and culture.

“As you know COVID hit our families very hard,” Guardado said. “Every time that there’s a tragedy, the people that get affected the most are working class families."  

Guardado believes that events like this one, which celebrate Mexican culture, are necessary, especially in cities that have a large Hispanic population such as Phoenix with a Hispanic population of 41.8%, according to Data USA.

Guardado also pointed to Arizona’s history of anti-immigration laws like SB 1070, the “ Support Our Law Enforcement and Neighborhoods Act” passed in 2010, and its supporters, Russell Pearce and Joe Arpaio, as another reason these events are important. Especially during a time when Mexican and other Latino communities are being targeted across the country by anti-immigration policies spearheaded by the federal government, she said.

“It’s important for us to be able to push back and to be able to teach everyone and show everyone how great our culture is,” Guardado said. “Because we’re seen as criminals, we’re seen as people that are taking over a country that is not ours.”

Guardado has been working to bring positive attention not only to Mexican history and culture but also to local businesses using El Grito as a way to spotlight Latino-owned businesses across Arizona.

“When they have all sold out all of their tacos and burritos and all the great things they sell, to me I feel like I’ve done my part,” Guardado said. 

Angel Bustos, owner of Angel’s On The Go, has been selling at El Grito from its inception in 2022. Bustos watched attendance grow steadily over the years, but noticed the turnout was less than usual this year.

“I think just because of everything that’s going around,” Bustos said, referring to the current political climate.

For those of Mexican heritage and origin, such as Deneb Brandt, who traveled over an hour from Casa Grande to Phoenix, El Grito is a great opportunity to celebrate Mexico and its people. 

“It’s very joyous and beautiful, and many people who aren’t Mexican, who are American, also celebrate,” Brandt said. “It’s a celebration we can all celebrate together.”