San Diego Celebrates Mexico's Independence Day

Contrary to what many may think, Cinco de Mayo is not Mexico's version of the 4th of July.

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Flokloric dancers performed throughout the night at Viva Mexico!

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Visitors got to sample Mexican dishes. They got to taste everything from cheese enchilandas (shown above) to beef empanadas, sweet bread, tequila and wine.

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From left to right. Samantha Truong, dressed in a typical dress from Chiapas. Twins, Melissa and Justine Miranda also model dresses from different regions in Mexico.

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8-year old Naomi Tanaka shows off her authentic Mexican dress.

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Fresh tortillas being served at Balboa Park for Viva Mexico!, celebration of Mexico's Independence.

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From left to right. 8-year old Sofia Carrera, Minerva Carrera, 4-year old Lucia Carrera and Arturo Carrera. Celebrating Mexican Independence day at San Diego's Museum of Man.

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Dozens of visitors at San Diego Museum of Man for Viva Mexico!, a Mexican Independence Day celebration.

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Mariachi Juvenil San Diego performing at the San Diego Museum of Man

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Mariachi Juvenil San Diego performing at the San Diego Museum of Man for Mexican Independence Day celebration

Mexico was freed from Spanish rule more than 200 years ago, on September 16th, 1810.

Some of the celebrations around San Diego County are getting an early start.

Viva Mexico! brought together several museums at Balboa Park on Wednesday, including Mexican art exhibits, authentic food, mariachi music and folkloric dancers.

But there are still more than enough opportunities to take part in the festivities.

Thursday

The public is invited to celebrate Mexican culture and independence in Oceanside on Thursday, September 15, from 4-9 p.m. at the Civic Center Plaza area, located at 330 N. Coast Highway. The annual fiesta, called “Noche Mexicana” is free and open to the public.

Through September 17th

It's considered the oldest and most comprehensive agave spirits festival in the nation. This year’s Spirits of Mexico will kickoff with the Tequila Trail, the Flavors of Mexico on Sunday September 11 from 3-6 p.m. A week of tasting and flavors will celebrate the spirit of Mexico with various events during the following week.

Saturday

Old Town San Diego State Historic Park is hosting Mexican Independence Day with traditional activities from the 1800s when San Diego was still part of Mexico—including lively dancing, music, food and drink. This free festival commemorates one of the most important days in Mexico’s history. The event is Saturday, Sept. 17, from noon to 4 p.m.