Hispanic Heritage Month festivities are in full swing across the Bay Area. September 16th commemorates the Mexican fight for independence from Spain, known as El Grito, which was celebrated with enthusiasm in downtown San Jose on Sunday.

Earlier that day, San Jose hosted Fiestas Patrias, featuring music, dancing, and charros on horseback. In San Francisco, a flag-raising ceremony was held, accompanied by food and music. Next Saturday, the Calle 24 Latino Cultural District will continue the festivities with the annual Fiesta de las Americas.

Redwood City also marked Mexican independence and recognized the contributions of other Latin American nations.

NBC Bay Area launched its own celebration with mariachi music in the studio, featuring Omar Alejandro, a son of strawberry farmers. Although he has performed with Andrea Bocelli, he now uses social media to connect generations through music.