After El Grito Festival organizers, Tradición Por Siempre, announced the cancellation of the Salinas event amid financial and political strain, many people in the community were surprised. But with the help of Monterey County Supervisor Luis Alejo, the event will continue its annual celebration in 2026.
El Grito, or the Cry of Dolores, is a celebration of Mexico’s Independence from Spain and it takes place annually on Alisal Street in East Salinas.
Alejo has stepped in to help fund the event and bring it to life again this year.
“When I learned the event had been canceled, I immediately reached out to offer assistance and committed $10,000 from my office’s discretionary funds to help keep this tradition alive,” Alejo announced on Aug. 20.
The total event budget is about $80,000, according to Tradición Por Siempre President Adan Gomez Jr.
Gomez says he is grateful for Alejo and the community’s assistance to make this possible.
“[The event] is moving forward, as the Salinas city manager has authorized it,” Gomez says. “It is happening.”
The festival will take place on Sunday, Sept. 13 from 11am-5pm and Gomez adds volunteers and vendors are always welcomed.
Each of five county supervisors has annual discretionary funds of $100,000 “to support grants for projects that provide significant public benefit.” In May, Alejo allocated $10,000 to the Alliance on Aging to support programs serving seniors. Earlier this year, he allocated $10,000 toward a proposed Alisal arch over East Alisal Street in Salinas, a project that drew criticism and prompted a recall effort. It was later withdrawn.