SeeCalifornia.com

It may seem odd that Mexicans in California celebrate Fiestas Patrias, their country’s independence from France, especially considering that California was occupied by Mexico until the “Bear Flag Revolt” and battles resulted in Mexico losing Alta California, which soon became a U.S. state.

Mexico had issued a proclamation that unnaturalized foreigners were no longer permitted to have land in California and were subject to expulsion. American settlers in the Sacramento Valley banded together to meet the threat — they seized control of the undefended Mexican government outpost of Sonoma on June 14, 1846.

Fiestas Patrias, or Patriotic Holidays, and the celebrated shout for freedom called El Grito, can be experienced in over 20 cities in California. Festivals often includes concerts, food, parades and carnivals.

Fiestas Patrias

ANAHEIM: Fiestas Patrias Sept.7-10, 2017
SANTA FE SPRINGS: Fiestas Patrias Sept.8
STOCKTON: El Grito Fiestas Patrias Sept.10
EAST LOS ANGELES: Mexican Independence Day Parade & Festival Sept.10
BAKERSFIELD: El Grito de Dolores Sept.15
MORENO VALLEY: El Grito Sept.15
LOS ANGELES: El Grito Sept.15
PASADENA: Fiestas Patrias Sept.15
BRAWLEY: El Grito Sept.15
SACRAMENTO: Grito de Dolores Sept.15
INGLEWOOD: Hispanic Heritage Festival Sept.16
SAN DIEGO: Old Town Fiestas Patrias Sept.16
SANTA ANA: Fiestas Santa Ana Sept.16-17
REDWOOD CITY: Fiestas Patrias Sept.16
SAN JOSE: Fiestas Patrias El Grito Festival Sept.16
TRACY: La Gozadera Sept.16
LOS ANGELES: Fiestas Patrias California Sept.16-17
KING CITY: El Grito Sept 17
COACHELLA: El Grito / Fiestas Patrias Sept.17
SANTA ROSA: Fiesta De Independencia Sept.17
LOS ANGELES: Latin American Heritage Celebration Sept.22