On Friday, Sept. 15 Truxtun Ave. was blocked off for the first celebration of Mexican Independence Day (El Grito De Dolores) at the Kern County Liberty Bell in Downtown Bakersfield.
El Grito De Dolores was a free event open to the public that ranged from 6-10 p.m. and featured local food vendors, and live entertainment inspired by Mexican culture. At midnight, there was a real-time visual celebration with Mexico City as they also celebrated El Grito.
Mexicans celebrate their independence on the 15th and 16th of September. El Grito was presented by The Kern County Hispanic Chamber of Commerce and staff members from Telemundo and KGET 17 were hosting the event.
Groups of various ages enthusiastically performed traditional Mexican dance while wearing vibrant traditional attire. A male Lasso dancer and local mariachi band also performed. Food vendors were set up on the street and people were able to grab funnel cakes, tacos, and Jarritos drinks. There also were local radio stations doing raffles for the festivity. For being the first El Grito event downtown, there was a great turn out crowd wise and they might do this again next year.