The city of Los Angeles and Councilmember Monica Rodriguez will present its first-ever virtual ¡El Grito! telethon on Sept. 15, from 7 p.m. to 9 p.m.
El Grito serves as the official kick-off celebration for Latino Heritage Month (September 15 – October 15) in Los Angeles. This year’s program, which traditionally brings Angelenos together at the steps of City Hall, will instead feature virtual musical performances due to the pandemic.
The telethon will also highlight LA’s vibrant Latino community as well as showcase contributions Latinos have made to the City’s culture, history, and economy. During the program, the City of Los Angeles will join the Consul General of Mexico in re-enacting the historic Cry of Dolores and ringing of the bell, which commemorates the call to arms pronounced by Miguel Hidalgo in 1810 which launched the Mexican War for Independence.
The COVID-19 pandemic has disproportionately affected Latinos who help keep Los Angeles moving and the supply chain alive during the crisis. The Latino community plays a critical role as frontline essential workers in the food and agricultural industry and service sectors. So the two-hour telethon will raise funds to support Comunidades Indígenas en Liderazgo (CIELO’s), Undocu-Indigenous Fund to provide additional relief to Angelenos hardest hit by COVID-19.
The music lineup features a diverse mix of sounds ranging from Mariachi, Banda, Trio, and Norteño. Featured performances and appearances include Los Tucanes de Tijuana, La Santa Cecilia, Ozomatli, El Conjunto Nueva Ola (ECNO), La Victoria, Weapons of Mass Creation, San Cha, DJ Angie Vee, Las Joyas Divinas Del Valle, Mariachi Lluvia Y Fuego, and Banda.
The event will be co-hosted by Elva Saray, host of Acceso Total, Telemundo 52’s weekday lifestyle and entertainment show, and Belen de Leon, meteorologist of NBC4 weekday morning newscast, Today in LA. Telemundo 52 Los Angeles and NBC4 are El Grito 2020’s media partners.