A Mexican Independence Day celebration closed down Truxtun Avenue in front of the Liberty Bell in downtown Bakersfield. Kern County Hispanic Chamber of Commerce President Jay Tamsi says Thursday night was the first time they turned the annual event into a street party. The evening’s highlight was the traditional midnight cry of Viva Mexico, known as El Grito, that was broadcast to Mexico City by the local Telemundo TV station. The Chamber hopes to increase awareness of the holiday which is more significant in Mexico than Cinco de Mayo.

Sean Michael Lisle