photo credit: Shandra Back
The stage of El Grito Fest

Thousands flocked to downtown Santa Rosa’s Old Courthouse Square to ring in Hispanic Heritage Month and celebrate the independence days of Mexico and other Latin American countries.

Two local Spanish-language radio stations, La Máquina Musical and La Musikera, hosted the event called El Grito Fest, inspired by Mexico’s historic call for independence.

“It’s something very important for us who are far from our country,” said Eric Perez, a roofer living in Santa Rosa. “It’s a celebration that helps us remember our traditions, our homeland.”

As the evening unfolded, the celebration moved from the stage to the food booths. Walking through the perimeter, people were hit with smells from all sides, beckoning them into booths. But many weren’t making it too far.

A line formed near the entrance in front of Chio Molina’s canopy. There were ladles of horchata, agua de guayaba, and agua de jamaica — guava and hibiscus drinks — splashing into plastic cups.

photo credit: Shandra Back
A couple dances to the live music

 
Just behind the canopy, Lesli Arellano, her husband and friends sat in lawn chairs with empty plates at their feet. “So delicious,” she said. “I'm actually waiting for another plate.
 
Arellano is originally from Mexico, she said, but has lived in Santa Rosa for 20 years. With the recent threats to immigrants’ rights, she said it’s a big deal that the community is showing up in this way.

“It's something that I know is in a lot of people's minds. So the fear definitely is out there.” Still, she said it’s powerful to see people gathering in celebration. “We need to celebrate ourselves, celebrate our heritage, celebrate where we come from. And the fact that the city is allowing us to do this is so important to us.”

photo credit: Shandra Back
Chio Molina servers attend to customers

 This is the first year Santa Rosa has collaborated with these stations for the event. Abel de Luna, owner of La Máquina Musical, walked off the stage beaming after Vice Mayor Eddie Alvarez led the crowd in the historic Mexican call for independence.

Luna said it’s been a huge collaborative effort between the city, the stations, community members, and nonprofit organizations. He said they’re all thrilled with the turnout, despite fears around public visibility for immigrants and potential ICE raids.

“So far, we've been lucky that nothing has been happening, and everybody's enjoying the celebration,” he said.