El Grito Festival and Parade canceled in Salinas amid financial and logistical strain.

Just less than a month until Mexico celebrates its independence from Spain, many Mexicans and Latinos in Monterey County are prepared to enjoy some festivities.

But this year the annual El Grito (the Cry of Dolores) Parade and Festival that takes place in East Salinas, will not happen. 

Tradición Por Siempre, which organizes the event, shared the news on social media, saying, “with heavy hearts, we announce that the 2026 Annual El Grito Festival & Parade in Salinas will not take place this year.”

A volunteer-driven nonprofit, Tradición Por Siempre seeks to honor and preserve Mexican culture through free community events and educational outreach, according to its webpage.

President Adan Gomez Jr., who has led the event for the last four years, says the decision was not last-minute, but the result of mounting logistical and financial pressures.

“We were planning to have it and we were looking for long-term support from our local community to help this event go through, but the event has basically outgrown our volunteers and our budget, so that's where we're at right now,” Gomez says.

The free, community-focused festival drew an estimated 5,000 to 10,000 people last year, according to Gomez.

Salinas Councilmember Andrew Sandoval shared his concern on the cancellation of the event on Instagram.

“I was saddened to hear that this year’s El Grito Festival and Parade has been canceled,” Sandoval said. “Events like this don’t just happen, they take an incredible amount of work behind the scenes. The timeline is short, but I’m asking my fellow elected officials, local businesses, community organizations, the Chamber of Commerce, volunteers, and anyone willing to help: Can we come together and find a way to make something happen this year?”

Gomez appreciates any help, but says sustained investment is needed to preserve the festival’s traditions and cultural impact.

“In reality, it takes more than just last-minute support. We want to continue this every single year for as long as we can,” Gomez says.

Luis Mejia, who was the vice president of Tradición Por Siempre from 2019-2025, says he’s surprised the event is not taking place.

“It’s hard because you don't make any money just from the vendors, so it takes a lot of effort," Mejia says.

Tradición Por Siempre is also in charge of events including, La Posada in December and Día del Niño in the Spring.