Some 3,000 Mexicans live in Berlin. They have tens of thousands of spouses, girlfriends, boyfriends and regular friends. And all of them want to celebrate ‘El Grito’. They will, this coming weekend.
Berlin, September 6th, 2021. Update September 11th, 2021, 10:25 p.m. CEDT (The Berlin Spectator) — Once again, it is time for ‘El Grito’. Prepare those sombreros! Get ready for the big event! Panic and scream! Berlin’s many Mexican expatriates and their extended community are about to celebrate one of their most important national events. ¡Que tengan buena fiesta, paisanos! It will happen next weekend, in the Baumschulenweg neighborhood.
Fiesta at ‘Bärenquell’
In Spanish, ‘el grito’ stands for “the shout”. Historically, this is about ‘El Grito de Dolores’ or ‘The Shout of Dolores’ by priest Miguel Hidalgo in the town of Dolores, in 1810. It marked the beginning of Mexico’s War of Independence. The country’s independence from Spain was achieved in 1821, and its national holiday is September 16th. But the big party is far less dramatic and a lot more fun than its historic origin. ¿Oye, donde esta la tequila?
The big ‘El Grito’ party will be taking place at the Bärenquell venue at Schnellerstraße 137 in Berlin, on Saturday, September 11th and Sunday, September 12th, 2021, from 1:00 p.m.. Admission is 5 Euro. Of course, Corona rules apply and the number of visitors is limited because of the pandemic. Masks are mandatory, but so is all the fun, for children, who may enter free of charge, and for adults.
Music and Dances
Between 1:00 and 4:00 p.m., on both days, workshops for kids are being offered. They will paint their faces, dress dolls and listen to stories. Afterwards, hay que romper las piñatas, just before the music starts. Son Jarocho will be offering traditional Mexican music. After an Aztec dance performance, el Grupo México va a presentar musica folclórica y bailes. Then, from 6:00 p.m. it is time for one of the most popular music genres in Mexico right now. The group Sistema Sonidero will raise the roof with Cumbia en vivo. ¿Que bueno, no?
Esto no es todo. A Mariachi group will be playing later on. For those who still have not returned home by 9:00 p.m., the DJ Collective La Fragancia will be playing danceable music. On Sunday, the first part of the program is pretty much the same until 6:00 p.m.. This is when the Horn Tuba Quintett Berlin and Arturo Pantaleon are supposed to hit the stage, followed by Los Cumbiancheros. No es difícil predecir qué tipo de música tocarán ellos.
Quesadillas y Tacos
The big ‘El Grito’ event is being organized by Viva México. Of course, just the right food will be offered, including quesadillas, tacos and the whole enchilada. Esperemos que ellos también ofrezcan tostadas.
Viva México’s website with detailed information about ‘El Grito’ in Berlin can be found here.
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