El Grito Party: Mexican Independence Day at Home or Hall

For many Mexican and Mexican American families in Chicago, the night of Sept 15 is one of the biggest evenings of the year. People gather at home, at a church hall, at a park or on a street in Pilsen or Little Village to eat together and shout "Viva Mexico" at 11 pm, the hour tradition connects to the Grito de Dolores. September 16 is the national holiday itself.

Traditions differ by family and region, so use this as a base and adjust to how your family does it. This guide covers the practical side: the space, the table, the food and the weather.

What the night is about

On Sept 15, 1810, the priest Miguel Hidalgo called for independence in the town of Dolores. That call is the "Grito." Today, in Mexico and in Mexican communities abroad, people ring a bell, wave flags and shout the cry together, often at 11 pm on the 15th. On the 16th there are parades, music and family meals.

Chicago has large celebrations on both days, with events in Pilsen and Little Village. Dates and routes change each year, so check local listings if you want to join one. If you plan a party at home, many families host on the 15th for the evening and on the weekend closest to the 16th for a bigger afternoon gathering.

The table and the food

Pozole is the dish people think of first. It is a hominy stew, made with pork or chicken, and it comes in red, green or white styles depending on the family and region. Pozole is made in a big pot and served with toppings, which makes it easy to feed a crowd.

Many families also serve tostadas, tamales, tacos, elote, chiles en nogada in some homes and plenty of agua fresca.

A simple pozole bar works well:

• A big pot kept hot on a burner or in a chafing dish
• Bowls of toppings: shredded cabbage or lettuce, radish, onion, oregano, lime and tostadas
• Hot sauce and chile on the side
• A table with spoons, napkins and a stack of bowls

Soup needs deeper bowls than a regular dinner plate. For a crowd, plan on 1 bowl per guest and 1 plate for the side. If you want to avoid washing, see our family-style serving ware guide and dinnerware rentals. For hot food, see keeping food hot outdoors.

Seating for a big family

Mexican celebrations are often multi-generation. Grandparents, kids, cousins and neighbors all come. That means more seating than a standard party.

• Long tables feel right for a shared meal. An 8-foot banquet table seats 8 to 10 guests. See long tables vs round tables.
• Seat about 3 in 4 guests at the tables. The rest will be standing, dancing or in the kitchen.
• Add a few comfortable chairs for older relatives near the music, but away from the speakers. See comfortable chairs for older guests.
• Make a kids table if there are more than 6 children. See kids tables and chairs.

Flags, color and decor

Green, white and red are the colors of the flag. Keep it simple.

• Strings of small paper flags (papel picado) above the tables
• Green, white and red tablecloths, or white cloths with a runner in the flag colors
• Flowers in the same colors on the tables
• A big flag on a wall or fence as a photo backdrop

If you rent linens, ask for colors early. See linen colors by season and the linens rentals page. For string lights, see string light layouts.

Music and the Grito moment

Plan a spot for music that is not next to the older guests' table. A speaker, a mariachi trio, a band or a playlist all work. Many families keep a bell and a flag ready at 11 pm for the Grito. If your party is earlier in the evening or on a different day, some do a short toast and a shout at an earlier time.

For power and speakers, see AV and sound rentals and our guide to sound systems. Tell neighbors ahead of time, and check your village or city on noise hours.

Outdoor space in September

September in Chicago is often warm in the day and cool at night. Sunset in mid-September is around 7 pm, so an 11 pm Grito is well into the dark and chilly.

• Have a plan for cool evenings: a heater or a few blankets. See heating a tent in fall.
• A tent covers rain and also holds the heat. See what size tent you need.
• Check the weather and have a backup. See outdoor events in Chicago in September.

If you host in a two-flat or a bungalow yard, our guide to a two-flat or greystone backyard party shows how to fit tables in a narrow space. For a family that is also planning a wedding, see Mexican wedding seating.

What most hosts find out too late

• A big pot is heavy. A full 5 to 10 gallon pot of pozole is hard to carry. Plan where it will sit and what it sits on before the party.
• Chafing fuel is not always included. If you rent warmers, ask whether fuel comes with them.
• Rental companies are busy on Sept weekends. Fall weddings are in full swing, so Saturday dates go early. Ask for Friday delivery.
• Count at delivery. Count chairs, tables and bowls when they arrive.

Plan the rentals for your party

Book a free 15-minute planning call and we will help you count tables, chairs, bowls and a tent for your guest list. Or get a quote with your date and address. We check the date with the rental companies for you.