When it comes to celebrating Mexican Independence Day, Las Vegas goes BIG, and this year’s festivities will bring unparalleled excitement in honor of El Grito. More than 300,000 visitors will make their way to the Entertainment Capital of the World to savor world-class Mexican cuisine, dance to rhythms of the hottest Latin music artists, revel in one-of-a-kind nightlife, share laughs with famed comedians, experience thrilling sporting events, and more. Las Vegas is the most popular international travel destination for Mexican travelers, with the destination seeing more than 300,000 visitors by air alone in 2013. All the offerings are available in Las Vegas’ El Grito microsite www.LasVegas.com/elgrito

“Visitors to Las Vegas during Mexican Independence Day will be able to surround themselves with the excitement of the destination perfectly mixed with the vibrant and enduring heritage of the holiday,” said Cathy Tull, senior vice president of marketing for the Las Vegas Convention and Visitors Authority (LVCVA). “Guests of all nationalities can indulge in the best of Mexican tradition, cuisine and entertainment with an atmosphere that only Las Vegas can offer.”

World-class Latin performers gracing the stages in Las Vegas include:

• Marco Antonio Solis at Planet Hollywood Resort & Casino on Sept. 12.
• Top-selling salsa artist Marc Anthony at Planet Hollywood Resort & Casino on Sept. 13.
• World-famous Arturo Sandoval brings the Cuban-Caribbean sounds of his jazz trumpet to The Smith Center for the Performing Arts, Sept. 13.
• Latin music superstar Luis Miguel at The Colosseum at Caesars Palace, Sept. 12-15.
• Comedian Gabriel Iglesias at The Mirage Resort & Casino, Sept. 12-14.
• Legendary Mexican mariachi singer Alejandro Fernandez will perform at the MGM Grand Hotel & Casino on Sept. 14.
• Los Angeles-based punk band, Mariachi El Bronx, will rock The Cosmopolitan of Las Vegas on Sept. 15, preceding the Grito Mexicano ceremony at midnight.

Boxing superstar and undefeated champion Floyd Mayweather Jr. will face-off with former WBA welterweight champion and Argentine boxer, Marcos Maidana II, in a thrilling rematch on Sept. 13 at the MGM Grand Garden Arena inside MGM Grand Hotel & Casino.

Additionally, The Cosmopolitan of Las Vegas will host a midnight ceremonial ringing of the bell to welcome El Grito on Sept. 15. Visitors will have the opportunity to toast with mariachi and folkloric dancers as well as performers mingling on the property during the holiday weekend.

The excitement continues in Downtown Las Vegas on Sept. 13 at The Fiesta Las Vegas Latino Parade & Festival, Southern Nevada’s largest Latino parade and festival. The parade begins at 10 a.m. and will feature an array of entertainment by local, national and international artists. The party resumes with the festival at noon on Sept. 14 at the Clark County Amphitheater.

In addition to entertainment, Las Vegas has redefined the culinary experience by offering top-notch restaurants and the most comprehensive collection of celebrity chefs in the world. Guests can enjoy tasty culinary delights and drink specials during El Grito at amazing venues on the Las Vegas Strip:

• Hecho en Vegas at MGM Grand Hotel & Casino is led by Executive Chef Reed Osterholt and provides one of the most authentic dining experiences inspired by the Sonoran-style cooking of North Mexico. The restaurant and bar will feature various drink offerings and specialty menu items in honor of Mexican Independence Day.
• STK, the sultry steakhouse inside The Cosmopolitan of Las Vegas, will offer guests a special tequila basil cocktail known as the “Basil’rita” through Sept. 16.
• The Buffet at ARIA Resort & Casino will serve a special brunch 7 a.m. to 3:30 p.m. and gourmet dinner starting at 3:30 p.m., Sept. 12–16. All-you-can-drink premium beverages are available to add to guests’ meals any day, and endless margaritas will be available during the holiday weekend.

If you want it, Vegas has it. From designer splurges to bargain deals, Las Vegas has become a one-stop shopping mecca. Everything from premium outlets to haute couture boutiques can be found in retail centers along the LasVegas Strip and surrounding areas. Only in Las Vegas will you find daily live fashion shows on an 80-foot runway; gondolas that whisk you to fine boutiques and an assortment of free shows to entertain you while you rest your feet.

To plan your unforgettable trip to Las Vegas for El Grito weekend, including air and hotel packages, show tickets and more, visit www.LasVegas.com/elgrito