A DAY FOR RED, WHITE, GREEN 'EL GRITO' IS SPECIAL THIS YEAR.

Byline: Rachel Uranga Staff Writer

In front of red, white and green Mexican flags flying at city halls in Los Angeles and San Fernando, thousands will gather today for Mexico's cry of independence - ``El Grito!'' - and kick off a series of events commemorating Hispanic Heritage Month.

Home to millions of Mexicanos, Southern California and its Mexican Independence celebrations are second only to those in Mexico.

And for the first time, a Los Angeles mayor of Mexican origin will be at the side of Mexican Consul General Ruben Beltran as he rings the symbolic bell of independence on the steps of Los Angeles City Hall.

``I have been getting calls from the Mexican Assembly; they want to be in El Grito (in Los Angeles),'' said Eduardo Blancas, the host of a Spanish-language public access show who lives in Glendale.

``It's exciting. ... For a Mexican guy being in the place, with a Los Angeles mayor that's Mexican-American, it's important and significant. For us, this has special meaning.''

So pleased are many Latinos to have a mayor that shares their origins that some have broken long-held traditions to accommodate him.

Organizers of the Central American Day Parade in the Pico-Union District said Villaraigosa will be the first grand marshal in the parade's 22-year history who is not Central American.

``We hope the fact that there is a Latino mayor is an inspiration for our people,'' said Salvador Gomez Gochez, a member of the Central American Festival Committee.

Villaraigosa himself has long downplayed ties to specific ethnic communities, billing himself as a mayor for all people. But many can't help whisper that his presence is a symbolic triumph for Latinos.

``Mayor Villaraigosa is honored to be celebrating El Grito this year,'' said Diana Rubio, a spokeswoman in the Mayor's Office. But she added, ``He's committed to celebrating Los Angeles' diversity and is proud to represent a city with such a vivid tapestry.''

The cry for independence ``El Grito de Independencia'' commemorates priest Miguel Hidalgo y Costilla's 1810 call to the country's poor to reject Spain's rule. Late on Sept. 15, 1810, he rang a bell and called for independence, triggering a struggle that lasted more than a decade.

In Mexico, people prepare for the celebration for weeks, decking squares with red, white and green. Often cities and pueblos plan an all-night celebration, the most famous taking place in Mexico City, where Mexico's president rings the bell of independence.

Some say with Mayor Antonio Villaraigosa in charge, Los Angeles' Grito could draw more than its usual 10,000 spectators.

Gus Barragan, a native of the Mexican state of Jalisco who organized last weekend's Mexican Independence Day Parade in East Los Angeles, said attendance shot up at the parade by at least 10,000 because of Villaraigosa.

``The mayor was the reason (many) came out to celebrate,'' he said. ``It was beautiful. Can you imagine? I have been doing this 20 years and this is the first time we have a Mexican-American mayor.''

Rachel Uranga, [phone]

rachel.uranga(at)dailynews.com

SCHEDULE OF EVENTS

Here is a list of events during the first week of Hispanic Heritage Month, which runs through Oct. 15.

--Today: Thousands are expected to gather at San Fernando and Los Angeles city halls to commemorate Mexican Independence Day with a historical re-enactment of ``El Grito,'' the cry by Father Hidalgo that launched Mexico's War of Independence from Spain in 1810. Music and speeches honoring Latino culture will follow.

--Today through Jan. 1: ``Lords of Creation: The Origins of Maya Kingships'' on display at the Los Angeles County Museum of Art.

--Sept. 16-18: Mexican Independence Celebration at El Pueblo de Los Angeles at Olvera Street.

--Sept. 17: Latin Jazz Festival and Car Show, 1-8 p.m. at Valley Plaza Recreation Center, 12240 Archwood St., North Hollywood.

--Sept. 18: A Central American Independence Day party will be held in Pico/Union, the neighborhood with the largest Salvadoran and Guatemalan populations. The parade begins at 11 a.m. at Pico Boulevard and Vermont Street, marches up Alvarado Street, and spills into MacArthur Park. Earlier celebrations begin on Sept. 16 at MacArthur Park.

--Sept. 17-18: The L.A. Zoo will celebrate Mexican Independence Day with all-day live entertainment, arts and crafts workshops for children, and pinata breakings.

--Sept. 22: ``Flor de Serena's Ladino Music in the Americas: Journeys from Spain to the New World'' performs flamenco guitar and other music at the San Fernando Mission in Mission Hills.

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Dancers Francisco Verdin, Stefany Garces, Marla Lopez, Manuel Velazquez and Michelle Chavez of the Ballet Folklorico Ollin will perform as Los Angeles residents of Mexican descent celebrate Mexico's independence day.

Gene Blevins/Special to the Daily News

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SCHEDULE OF EVENTS (see text)