On September 16th, 1810, El Grito de la Independencia was the battle cry which helped launch the Mexican War of Independence.
Flash forward nearly 200 years and Angeleno's filled L.A. Live on the eve of the anniversary to celebrate this monumental event.
Nokia Plaza was the home of Los Angeles' official "El Grito" celebration.
Mayor Antionio Villaraigosa and several city council members were among the many notable people on hand to take part.
The ringing of a bell, and the chants of "Viva" are a tribute to the stirring speech given by a Mexican priest 200 years ago to rally the Mexican people to fight for their independence from Spain.
In L.A. thousands filled Nokia Plaza at L.A. Live, while thousands more filled the street outside, and the balconies of Staples Center.
The holiday is a source of pride for Mexican Americans.
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"We should allow for our own cultures as a great country to be part of this great fabric we call The United States of America," says Jaegar Ramirez, a Los Angeles resident.
"We're linked by deep historical ties, that are continually renewed," says Jerry Brown, California's Attorney General, and Democratic Candidate for Governor.
Attorney General Jerry Brown says there's a need for the two countries to work together.
"For investment, to helping Mexico provide enough jobs for their own people, so they are not pushed over here," says Jerry Brown, California's Attorney General, and Democratic Candidate for Governor.
Monday night they celebrated Mexico's independence, it's resilience, and it's rich history.
