Las Vegas Celebrates Mexican Independence Day with World-Class Latin Performers and Festivities

LAS VEGAS,  2012-08-23 — /travelprnews.com/ — Revelers looking for the best Mexican Independence Day celebrations this side of the Rio Grande need travel no further than Las Vegas for exciting El Grito! festivities.  Thousands of visitors will indulge in world-class Mexican cuisine, dance to the rhythms of the hottest Latin music artists and enjoy unparalleled nightlife.

“Visitors to Las Vegas can celebrate and enjoy the best of Mexican Independence Day this year surrounded by the excitement that only Las Vegas provides,” said Cathy Tull, Senior Vice President of Marketing for the Las Vegas Convention and Visitors Authority.  “Guests of all nationalities will appreciate the best of Mexican tradition, cuisine and entertainment the world has to offer.  Las Vegas is a premiere international destination famous for entertainment and top-notch cultural celebrations.”

A host of A-list talent performing on the Las Vegas Strip will welcome visitors during the week-long celebration:

• Latin music superstar Luis Miguel will perform at The Colosseum at Caesars Palace, Sept. 13-15.
• Legendary Flamenco guitarist Esteban performs at The Smith Center for the Performing Arts on Sept. 13.
• Latin jazz virtuoso and salsa king Pancho Sanchez and his Latin Jazz Band perform Sept. 14-15.
• World-famous Arturo Sandoval brings the Cuban-Caribbean sounds of his jazz trumpet to The Orleans Hotel and Casino on Sept. 15.
• Flamenco guitarist and entertainer Charo will perform at South Point Hotel Casino and Spa on Sept. 15.
• Undefeated Mexican boxing sensation Canelo Alvarez will come face-to-face with breakout star Josesito Lopez in “Knockout Kings” at the MGM Grand Garden Arena where they’ll battle for the WBC Super Welterweight World Championship on Sept. 15.
• Reigning champion Julio Caesar Chavez, Jr. will face Argentinean boxer Sergio Gabriel Martínez, former WBC & WBO middleweight champion, at the Thomas & Mack Center on Sept. 15.
• Grammy Award-winning Mexican Band Maná will perform their top hits at the MGM Grand Garden Arena on Sept. 16.

The Cosmopolitan of Las Vegas will play host to various mariachi bands and folkloric dancers roaming throughout the resort during the holiday weekend.

The party will spill onto the street in Downtown Las Vegas on Sept. 15 with The Fiesta Las Vegas Latino Parade & Festival, Southern Nevada’s largest Latino parade and festival.  Mexican singer Graciela Beltrán will act as the official grand marshal for the parade which begins at 10 a.m. Festivities will continue until 10 p.m.

Authentic Mexican music will be on display at the Las Vegas International Mariachi Festival, a gathering of hundreds of the world’s finest Mariachi performers who will showcase their traditional music at Planet Hollywood Resort & Casino on Saturday, Sept. 15, at 8 p.m.  Special guests include Shaila Durcal, Vargas de Tecalitlan, the ensemble Mariachi Sol de Mexico de Jose Hernandez and Mariachi Divas.

Other not-to-be-missed acts performing during the Mexican Independence Day weekend include GIGANT3S national tour featuring Marc Anthony, Chayanne and Marco A. Solis at the Mandalay Bay Events Center, Alejandro Fernández at the Mandalay Bay Events Center and Carlos Santana at the House of Blues.

In addition to entertainment, Las Vegas has truly redefined the culinary experience by offering world-class restaurants and more Master Sommeliers than any other destination in the world, and the most comprehensive collection of celebrity chefs.  Dining continues to evolve throughout Las Vegas, and unique offerings give visitors a chance to experience supreme Latin cuisine:

• Javier’s Authentic Food de Mexico at Aria resort and Casino will open fall 2012, and will bring seafood, chicken and steak influenced by Mexico’s regional specialties along with an envious collection of premium tequilas.
• Tacos & Tequila (T&T) inside of Luxor Las Vegas hosts the mariachi brunch every Saturday and Sunday from 11 a.m. – 3 p.m. with traditional specialties including huevos rancheros, albondigas soup, T&T’s signature chilaquiles all served to the sounds of live mariachi music. T&T is home to Executive chef Saul Ortiz, originally from Mexico City.
• Hussong’s Cantina at the Shoppes at Mandalay Place will create a special weekend menu to celebrate the holiday featuring caesar crispy chicken tacos with beer pairings from around Mexico.
• Yolös at Planet Hollywood Resort & Casino offers traditional Mexican favorites which are fused with a global flair of international cooking from Pacific Rim, South American, and Caribbean cuisine.
• Cabo Wabo Cantina inside Miracle Mile Shops at Planet Hollywood Resort & Casino presents hard rockin’ dining and live music venue while combining the laid-back beach-town vibe of Cabo San Lucas, Mexico, with the excitement of the Las Vegas Strip. Blending coastal Mexican and Tex Mex cuisine, the menu offers a tantalizing mix of flavorful foods.
• China Pablano under the direction of renowned chef José Andrés at The Cosmopolitan of Las Vegas brings Mexico and China together through unique flavors and spices.
• Carlos’n Charlie’s at the Flamingo Las Vegas is a laid-back and casual setting that showcases authentic Mexican food while incorporating subtle and genuine humor
• Señor Frog’s Las Vegas at Treasure Island features humor and outrageousness with traditional Mexican elements.

Signature nightlife events during the Mexican Independence Day weekend include:

• Surrender Nightclub has lined up internationally renowned electronic dance music DJ’s for the holiday weekend beginning on Thursday, Sept. 13, with a “Splash Dance,” a night time pool party, with R3hab. On Friday, Sept. 14, Surrender Nightclub presents Tiesto followed by Diplo on Saturday, Sept. 15.
• Crown Nightclub at The Rio hosts Latin Libido Night every Wednesday at 10 p.m. It includes live bands and the perfect opportunity to salsa.
• South Padre at Texas Station hosts La Nueva Live Mix every Thursday featuring La Nueva’s Oscar “El Coyote” Ruiz along with DJ Lee and DJ Paco mixing the top Latin hits.
• The Railhead inside of Boulder Station hosts Latin Night every Friday with Noche Nortena featuring El Moreno Carrillo Y Su Banda Tierra Sagrada, delivering the best in regional Mexican music. The music flows, leading up to the show and between sets, with a DJ spinning the best Latin tunes.
• Club Tequila at Fiesta Rancho plays current contemporary Latin music every Friday night with Mundo Vacio followed by music from El Moreno Carrillo Y Su Banda Tierra Sagrada on Saturdays. On Sundays it hosts La Kalle Live Mix with Noche Celestial de los Domingos.

 

To plan your El Grito! weekend in Las Vegas, go to http://www.visitlasvegas.com/.

Photos from select El Grito! events will be available at www.thenewsmarket.com/LVCVA

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