`GRITO' EVENTS TO HONOR MEXICO'S INDEPENDENCE.

Byline: Dominic Berbeo Staff Writer

Accentuating a heavy Latino population in the county, celebrations in downtown San Fernando and Los Angeles Wednesday marked the 189th anniversary of the Mexican ``Grito de Dolores,'' the cry of freedom that sparked Mexico's independence from Spain.

``The celebration means liberty, freedom and independence, not only for the people of Mexico, but the rest of us,'' said San Fernando Mayor Jose Hernandez. ``Whether we're in Mexico or anywhere else, we should all celebrate this great day.''

The city-sponsored celebration in San Fernando took place in front of City Hall, and included a variety of musical performances as well as dance and theater.

In downtown Los Angeles, Mayor Richard Riordan joined the acting consul general of Mexico, Victor Trevino, at a public celebration outside City Hall.

The two re-enacted the tradition of ringing a commemorative bell just as Mexican revolutionaries had done nearly two centuries ago.

``The Mexican community is a special part of our city's history and culture,'' Riordan said in a written statement. ``I urge all Angelenos to join us as we continue a time-honored tradition and celebrate the rich culture and history of our Mexican neighbors.''

On September 16, 1810, Miguel Hidalgo y Costilla, a parish priest in Dolores, Michoacan, let out the famous cry for freedom and called upon the people to take up arms against Spain, starting the war which led to independence 11 years later.