Mexican culture and independence was celebrated during El Grito, a commemorative event held at Serna Plaza outside of the University Union.

El Grito, which means “the cry,” was jointly organized by UNIQUE, a group of student volunteers who organize events for the University Union, and Gamma Zeta Alpha, a Latino fraternity at Sacramento State.

It’s an anniversary celebration of Mexico’s independence from Spain, and featured performances from a local mariachi band and Aztec dance group. A flag ceremony was held in between performances.

“We host this event to show the campus community our Hispanic heritage,” Esteban Cruz said. Cruz is the social chair of Gamma Zeta Alpha.

The event started with only a handful of students watching, but the crowd grew as the Mariachi Versatiles and the Quetzalcoatl Citlali Aztec dance group took the stage.

José Bueno, Jr., leader of the Mariachi Versatiles, which performed at Sac State last year, said the band also plays throughout California.

Bueno is a Sac State alumnus with a teaching credential and a bachelor’s degree in music, which he has taught for 29 years. “I love performing. I love music,” he said. “You can’t reach all, but as long as I’ve reached at least one person, then I’ve done my job.”

“They’re bringing a little bit of our culture over here,” said Suzy Mendoza, junior sociology major. “Even though we’re in America, that culture comes here with us. We don’t leave it behind.”

Senior civil engineering major Maribel Velazquez said watching the performances makes her emotional. “It gives me chills,” Velazquez said. “It gives me more pride.”

“We do this to preserve our cultural tradition and to educate people with this aspect of Mexican culture,” said Jesse Ocelotl, a group leader in Quetzalcoatl Citlali. Ocelotl has been dancing at Sac State for over 20 years.

The Quetzalcoatl Citlali dance group performs year round at multicultural events, schools and fundraisers.

Cruz presented the Mexican flag during the flag ceremony. Emir José Macari, Dean of the College of Engineering and Computer Sciences, was supposed to present the flag, but was unable to attend.

El Grito is one of several activities and events organized by Gamma Zeta Alpha. Aside from preserving Latino culture, the fraternity also aims to promote academic excellence, community service and brotherhood among the Hispanic community at Sac State.

Kristine Guerra can be reached at [email protected].