Celebrate Mexico’s independence from Spain at Mexican Fiestas Patrias events around Houston from Thursday, September 14 leading up to Diez y Seis de Septiembre itself on Saturday, September 16, 2017.
Officially, Mexico’s official patriotic independence day holidays begin the evening of September 15, kicked off by the symbolic Grito de Dolores. The name comes from Father Miguel Hidalgo y Costilla in the village of Dolores, whose call out (the grito) for an end to Spanish rule, in 1810.
Fifteen years later, the Republic of Mexico chose that historic event as the start of their independence, selecting the day that followed it as Mexico’s Dia de la Independencia.
Mexican Independence Day & Fiestas Patrias Events in Houston
- Ballet Folklórico Las Américas at Children’s Museum of Houston | Thursday, September 14 – Learn about Mexican culture and tradition and experience a vibrant performance from Ballet Folklórico Las Américas, a show filled with colorful costumes and lively music at the Children’s Museum of Houston. This event is included with general admission to the museum. 6:30pm.
- Tierra presents: El Grito de Dolores at Tlaquepaque Market Plaza | Friday, September 15 – The Tierra de los Artesanos market presents El Grito de Dolores, a celebration of Mexico’s Independence Day featuring food, music, dance, and local vendors in the East End. 6pm to 10pm.
- El Grito featuring Mariachi Reyna de Los Angeles at Miller Outdoor Theatre | Friday, September 15 | FREE – Experience the Grito ceremony followed by a performance by Mariachi Reyna de Los Angeles, an all female mariachi ensemble at Miller Outdoor Theatre in the Museum District. 7:30pm.
- 49th Annual Houston Fiestas Patrias Parade in Downtown | Saturday, September 16 | FREE – Celebrate this Mexican Independence Day with dance performances, live music and more at this colorful parade through the streets of Downtown. 10am to noon.
- Fiestas Patrias at Children’s Museum of Houston | Saturday, September 16 – Bring the kiddos to commemorate Mexico’s fight for freedom with a performance from Mariachi de Juvenil, Ballet Folklorico, and a reenactment of “El Grito de Dolores” at the Children’s Museum of Houston. Included with general admission to the museum. Festivities begin at 2pm.
- CEPROSOUND performs “Hear the Revolution” at MFAH | Saturday, September 16 – Take in a concert by CEPROSOUND in the galleries of Paint the Revolution: Mexican Modernism, 1910–1950 at The Museum of Fine Arts, Houston. The performance “Hear the Revolution” will feature music by Mexican composers who worked during the time period covered in the exhibition. This event is included with admission to the exhibition. 3pm to 4pm.
- 11th Annual Fiestas Patrias at Traders Village | Sunday, September 17 – Telemundo Houston and Traders Village host their 11th annual family-friendly Fiestas Patrias concert featuring performances from Mariachi Loco, Clave 45, and Sonora Carnaval. No cover charge for entry, but parking is $4 per vehicle. Noon.
