Mexicans in the San Francisco Bay Area celebrated the night of “El Grito” on Friday, Sep 15th, which precedes Independendence Day (September 16th).

San Francisco’s Mayor London Breed welcomed community and business leaders for a ceremony at City Hall, followed by the enactment of El Grito’s “¡Viva México! at the balcony. The event was organized by the Mexican Consulate and local organizations.

A few moments later, at the Civic Center, a crowd sang “El Himno Nacional” led by Mexican Tenor Arturo Chacón-Ruiz, currently with the San Francisco Opera.

A musical program followed, with an excelent mariachi (Mariachi San Francisco! and other artists -Gabriela Sepúlveda was amazing!

The San Francisco Bay Area and California are home to millions of Mexican immigrantes who contribute to the economy and the local culture. ¡Viva México!