The heart of downtown L.A. was alive with music, dance and cultural pride Saturday night as crowds gathered at Grand Park for “El Grito” – the annual Mexican Independence Day celebration.

The event, held in front of City Hall, drew a large and enthusiastic crowd, filling the park with the sights, sounds and flavors of Mexican culture. Traditional dancers in colorful dresses spun across the stage, mariachi music filled the air and vendors served regional food favorites, creating a festive atmosphere for the thousands in attendance.

“El Grito,” or “The Cry,” commemorates the 1810 call to arms that launched Mexico’s war for independence from Spain. This year’s event carried the theme “Viva La Resistencia”-- “Long Live the Resistance.”

Across town, Mayor Karen Bass hosted a private celebrat

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