Alpha Psi Lambda, a co-ed Latino fraternity, today hosts its ninth annual celebration of Mexico gaining its independence from Spain.

Known as El Grito, or ‘the yell,’ it symbolizes the Mexican people crying out for injustice after Father Miguel Hidalgo’s proclamation on Sept. 16, 1810.

“It’s big in Mexico,” said Jorge Barroso, a senior political science student from Guanajuato, Mexico. The celebrations in the U.S. are generally smaller in

comparison to those in his hometown, as many people here consider May 5 to be Mexican Independence Day, he said.

“We don’t even celebrate Cinco de Mayo,” Barroso said.

Barroso said the celebrations in Mexico can involve days of preparation, and all of the small towns of the region have their own unique customs, some of which last overnight or even for the entire month.

The celebration at NIU takes place today at the King Memorial Commons from 5 to 9 p.m. Traditional Mexican food such as fajitas, arroz and frijoles will be served on a first-come first-served basis, with music from DJ Ayo and radio station La Kalle.’

“This event promotes diversity of Hispanic and Latino cultures,” said Shaquilla Daniels, a senior Spanish major and public relations chair of Alpha Psi Lamdba.

El Grito is significant to other cultures as well.

Mayra Molina-Vera, a senior French and elementary education student, is Ecuadorian, but plans to show her pride at the event.

“I have a lot of friends who are Mexican,” Vera said. “We’re all Latinos. We shouldn’t be separated; we should be united.”

The event will feature free food, games and prizes. Several guest speakers, including Michelle Emmit and professor Linda Saborio are scheduled to speak at the event and Crystal Espinoza will sing the Mexican National Anthem.