The city of Los Angeles and Councilwoman Monica Rodriguez, 7th District, present the first virtual “El Grito” telethon on Tuesday, Sept.15, at 7 p.m. to celebrate Latino culture and raise funds for Angelenos adversely affected by COVID-19.

“El Grito” serves as the official kick-off celebration of Latino Heritage Month in Los Angeles. The event traditionally brings residents together for a celebration at City Hall, but this year will feature virtual musical performances due to the pandemic. The telethon will highlight Los Angeles’ vibrant Latino community and showcase the contributions Latinos have made to the city’s culture, history and economy.

“The COVID-19 pandemic has disproportionately affected the Latino community, which plays a critical role as frontline essential workers in the food and agricultural industry and service sectors,” Rodriguez said. The telethon will raise funds to provide additional COVID-19 relief support through the Comunidades Indígenas en Liderazgo’s Undocu-Indigenous Fund.

A virtual concert will be held on Sept. 15, from 7 to 9 p.m. During the program, representatives from the city of Los Angeles and the Consul General of Mexico will re-enact the historic “Cry of Dolores” and ringing of the bell, which commemorates the call to arms pronounced by Miguel Hidalgo in 1810 which launched the Mexican War for Independence.

The event will be co-hosted by Elva Saray, host of “Acceso Total,” a weekday lifestyle and entertainment show on Telemundo 52, and Belen de Leon, a meteorologist on “Today in LA,” NBC4‘s weekday morning newscast. Musical performers include Los Tucanes de Tijuana, La Santa Cecilia, Ozomatli, El Conjunto Nueva Ola, La Victoria, Weapons of Mass Creation, San Cha, DJ Angie Vee, Las Joyas Divinas Del Valle, Mariachi Lluvia Y Fuego and Banda. For information and to view the telethon, visit elgrito2020.com.