This story was originally published in MisNeighbors.com


Tonight, on the the eve of Mexican Independence Day, my father will stand in front of his 60-inch television, chest high, with his right hand erected across his heart, singing El Himno Nacional de Mexico along with thousands of other Mexican patriots that stand before him on the tv screen.

That’s one way to ring in “El Grito.” Here are a few other local celebrations that run through the weekend:

El Grito Celebration at El Pueblo de Los Angeles (commonly referred to as Placita Olvera)
Festivities begin Thursday and run through the weekend with live music, dancing, and entertainment, as well as games, art exhibits and much more.
Thursday Sept. 15– 5:00 pm through Sunday, Sept. 18
125 Paseo de la Plaza
Los Angeles, CA 90012
Visit their website here

El Grito 2011 at Mariach Plaza
The Boyle Heights Farmers Market will host this year’s celebrations with vendors, musical performances, contests, food, and fun for the whole family (a second farmers market occurs every Sunday, same place 12-6pm)
Friday, Sept.16– 2:00pm-10pm
1831 E 1st St
Los Angeles, CA 90033
More on Facebook event page

Grito in the Garden at Proyecto Jardin
This Boyle Heights community garden hosts a camp out for all members of the food growers collective as well as community friends and family. Bring a tent or sleep under the stars for a night of music, dance and movement, and cosecha del jardin.
Friday, Sept. 16–5:00pm to Saturday, Sept 17- 8:00 am
1718 Bridge St, Los Angeles, CA 90033
More on Facebook event page

My background: I was born in Mexico and raised in Boyle Heights, where I got my start in journalism by launching a community blog. Most recently, I worked at the Los Angeles Times and have spent most of my career covering local news in LA, with a focus on community-centered stories, Latino communities and mentoring emerging writers.

What I do: I lead coverage of Boyle Heights and East LA across all platforms to inform, connect and uplift our community. I spend my days listening, planning, editing and coordinating to make sure our stories reflect the community fairly, while supporting and mentoring my team of reporters and freelancers so they can grow along the way.

Why LA?: It’s home. It’s the sounds of Spanglish and other languages, the smell of tacos and kimchi, the way street art tells stories and how, even though I hate traffic, I love how the freeways can take me to the beach or the mountains on a whim.

The best way to contact me: My email is jessica.perez@boyleheightsbeat.org.

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