Best Event Revival
El Grito in Salinas
We bet El Grito (meaning the Cry of Dolores) is a grand party in Mexico, celebrating the nation’s independence from Spain. We know it’s a grand party in Salinas, with a huge festival and parade (with horses!) hosted annually by Tradición Por Siempre, bringing music, inspirational speeches, performances and as many as 10,000 people to celebrate on Alisal Street in East Salinas. So there was heartbreak when organizers announced in August that the 2026 El Grito was canceled due to lack of funds. There is a redemption arc (that’s what makes this a Best Of), when a few days later, Tradición Por Siempre leaders put the event back on the schedule – they got support from Salinas city staff to push through necessary permitting, and $10,000 from County Supervisor Luis Alejo’s discretionary fund (10 percent of that annual pool) to help offset the roughly $80,000 event cost. ¡Viva México, viva Salinas!