What El Grito and the parade are
On the night of September 15, officials across Mexico reenact Miguel Hidalgo's 1810 call to arms from a balcony, ringing a bell and leading the crowd in shouts of "¡Viva México!". Plazas fill with families in green, white and red, stalls sell pozole, tostadas and antojitos, and fireworks follow.
On September 16, the Los Cabos municipality holds a civic and military parade with schools, security forces and civic groups. It is a national holiday, so banks and government offices close.
What the night is like
If you want to see Mexican pride up close, this is the night. The plazas are crowded and very family oriented until the Grito, then the party moves to bars and restaurants, many of which run fiesta mexicana nights with mariachi.
Mid September is also peak hurricane season, hot and humid, so keep an eye on the forecast and plan outdoor time for the evening.
Where to go on the night
The municipal seat is San José del Cabo, 30 to 40 minutes by car from our villa; Cabo San Lucas also celebrates downtown, a 5 to 10 minute taxi away. Ceremony times are announced in early September. Taxis are busy that night, so book a driver or plan your ride home.
In Cabo San Lucas, Cabo Wabo Cantina and the marina bars get lively; the nightlife guide has more.
What to wear and eat
Wear green, white or red and you'll fit right in. Pozole, tostadas, tamales and churros are the classic Grito foods, sold at plaza stands and served in restaurants all week. September is low season, so it is easier to find tables and boats than in winter, but many businesses reduce hours during the hottest weeks. Kids love the flags, noisemakers and fireworks; bring ear protection for little ones. The next morning's parade is a calm, pleasant way to see the same pride in daylight.