Skagit Valley College (SVC) will host El Grito, a celebration of Mexico’s independence, on Thursday, Sept. 15 from 5-9 p.m. on its Mount Vernon campus. El Grito will feature the Consulate of Mexico in Seattle, Hėctor Ivȧn Godoy Priske, Cȯnsul Titular, as a special guest.

The event will feature local food, vendors, a resource fair, and performances from Mount Vernon High School Mariachi, Ballet Folkorico, and a DJ. It is free and open to the public.

On Sept. 16, 1810, Mexico reclaimed their independence from the Spanish monarchy. El Grito is a traditional celebration of the independence held the day before on Sept. 15. Through this event, SVC hopes to foster a culture of belonging and to provide a space for the community and students to celebrate and practice the tradition.

Sept. 15 also marks the independence for many other Latin American countries: Honduras, Guatemala, El Salvador, and Costa Rica. This event will also celebrate these countries.

The event is sponsored by the SVC Office for Equity and Inclusion, SVC’s Student Equity and Inclusion Services office, SVC Recruitment and Outreach office, and the SVC College Assistance Migrant Program.

The event will be held on SVC’s Mount Vernon campus in Tollefson Plaza. For directions to campus, visit skagit.edu/campus.

For more information about the event, email [email protected] or call 360.416.7620.