One of San Antonio's best-known celebrations, Diez y Seis de Septiembre commemorates the start of the Mexican War of Independence from Spain. But with the Tricentennial in full swing, the City of San Antonio is organizing extra special festivities throughout the weekend, which also begins Hispanic Heritage Month.

City officials and organizers said the combined events will give visitors a wider opportunity to better understand Mexican tradition and culture while recognizing Mexico’s influence on San Antonio.

“This year of our Tricentennial, we celebrate San Antonio’s history — and we also celebrate the traditions and cultures that have helped our city become what it is today,” District 1 City Councilman Roberto C. Treviño said in a release.

In addition to the City of San Antonio, this weekend celebration is a result of collaboration between the Consulate General of Mexico in San Antonio, San Antonio Diez y Seis de Septiembre Commission, Avenida Guadalupe Association, LULAC Council 648, San Antonio-Mexico Friendship Council, and La Familia Cortez.

Avenida Guadalupe’s 37th El Dieciséis de Septiembre Parade and Celebration— September 15
For the very first time, this year's Diez y Seis de Septiembre Commemoration will combine three signature events into one grand party. On September 15, Avenida Guadalupe’s 37th El Dieciséis de Septiembre Parade and Celebration takes place noon-9:30 pm at Plaza Guadalupe. The parade launches at 7 pm at the plaza and ends at Market Square where attendees can enjoy the newly combined El Grito ceremony and Fiestas Patrias.

El Grito San Antonio — September 15-16
El Grito pays tribute to the Cry of Dolores in which Catholic priest Miguel Hidalgo y Costilla rang his church’s bell and gave a pronunciamiento (call to arms) on September 16, 1810, sparking Mexico’s revolution. “The most important date in the Mexican civic calendar is the commemoration of the Mexican Independence on September 15,” explained Ambassador Reyna Torres Mendivil, Consul General of Mexico in San Antonio, in a release. “In every town in Mexico, as well as in every city where there is an embassy or consulate, our history, culture and traditions are celebrated in ‘El Grito.'"

El Grito San Antonio starts at 6 pm on the Santa Rosa Street stage. Fiestas Patrias, filled with music, food, vendors, and family-friendly activities, takes place from 10 am-10 pm on September 15, and 11 am-10 pm on September 16. All events are free and open to the public.

Bravo! Mi Cultura Diez y Seis Performance — September 16
It’s an evening of cultural dance selections at Arneson River Theater highlighting local talent and young dancers from the San Antonio Parks and Recreation Department’s dance programs. Dance numbers include Spanish Flamenco and Mexican Folklórico. The event if free, open to the public, and begins at 8 pm.

CultureMap San Antonio presents Independencia Festival — September 16
Join CultureMap San Antonio and Uptown Latino as we celebrate Mexican Independence Day at the Aztec Theatre. Siempre Selena, a tribute to Selena, headlines a lineup including Eva Ybarra, Chulita Vinyl Club, and more. Other festivities include T-shirt screen printing and samples from Cerveceria Minerva, an independent brewery based in Guadalajara, Jalisco Mexico. Performances begin at 6:30, tickets are $18.

Diez y Seis de Septiembre Charreada— September 16
Asociación de Charros San Antonio presents a traditional charreada (rodeo) at 6126 Padre Dr. Food vendors available. Tickets are priced at $15 for adults, $5 for children. Festivities begin at 4 pm.

El Rincón del Alebrije at Mariachi Lab — September 16
Mariachi Lab is the finale of the Pearl’s summer-long Olé series. This is a daylong showcase, which begins at 1 pm, features local mariachi talent, music and dance workshops, and performances by renowned mariachi groups. Most of the activities are free except for the Las Mujeres Showcase in the Pearl Stable ($25 per person).