Mexican Independence Day in Las Vegas: 6 great places to party

Mexican Independence Day and Las Vegas? Yup, it’s a thing. You can expect lots of Mexican music, food and, of course, tequila at events next week on the Strip and in downtown.

The Sept. 16 holiday, known in Spanish as “El Grito de Delores,” marks the beginning of the Mexican War of Independence in 1810. (Translated as “the Cry of Dolores,” it refers to the small town of Dolores where Miguel Hidalgo y Costilla made his stand and touched off the conflict that ended three centuries of Spanish rule.)

In Las Vegas, the celebrations begin 7 p.m. Thursday with a bell-ringing overseen by officials from the Mexican Consulate in Las Vegas at the Forum Shops at Caesars Palace. After that, guests will be entertained by strolling mariachi bands and dancers.

Events throughout the weekend include:

--Latin pop stars Emmanuel & Mijares perform Thursday at the Colosseum at Caesars.

--Mariachi singer Alejandro Fernandez also performs Thursday at the MGM Grand Garden Arena.

--Singing superstar Enrique Iglesias will perform Sept. 16 and 17 at the Colosseum at Caesars.

Food and drink specials will be served at dozens of locations.

China Poblano at the Cosmopolitan of Las Vegas will unveil a Viva Mexico menu that includes flautas de pato con mole Mihuateco and chile en nogada. The menu is good starting Tuesday until Sept. 22 in honor of the holiday. Drinks will be provided by the distillers of 123 Tequila.

--On Friday at Hussong’s Cantina at the Shoppes at Mandalay Place, chef Noe Alcala will introduce a “back-to-the-roots” menu. Diners can start their meal with $6 nachos.

--Two dollar tacos will be among the specials at the Downtown Container Park along East Fremont Street. It will take on a south-of-the-border flavor from 5 to 8 p.m. Thursday.

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