Travelers on their way to Las Vegas to celebrate Mexican Independence Day in September should get organized, because there's a plethora of options to keep the party going for several days.
Mexican Independence Day has traditionally been a top weekend for Las Vegas, with more than 300,000 visitors arriving to Southern Nevada by air travel alone, according to the Las Vegas Convention and Visitors Authority.
Unlike previous years, there is no big boxing match on tap for the weekend, but there will still be plenty of entertainment options. Mexican Independence Day, also known as "El Grito," is Sept. 16, but there are events happening the entire week of Sept. 12.
"Las Vegas is the perfect destination to see an unparalleled lineup of world-class entertainers for Mexican Independence Day," Cathy Tull, senior vice president of marketing for the Las Vegas Convention and Visitors Authority, said in a press release detailing the week's events. "Visitors from around the globe can join together for outstanding entertainment, culinary and cultural offerings that only Las Vegas can provide."
In addition to the marquee events, many resorts add flourishes to the fiesta including roaming mariachi bands, midnight celebrations including the traditional ringing of the liberty bell and of course a variety of specials and deals on food and drinks.
Among the top names coming to the desert to join in the celebration are Carlos Santana, Pitbull, Enrique Iglesias, Marc Anthony and Mana. Here is a full rundown of the biggest events coming to town for the festive week.
Carlos Santana is performing at House of Blues in Mandalay Bay Resort and Casino during the week-long Mexican Independence Day festivities.
• Alejandro Fernandez, a legendary mariachi crooner, will perform at the MGM Grand Garden Sept. 15.
• Emmanuel & Mijares, pop singers, will hold a concert at The Colosseum at Caesars Palace, Sept. 15.
• Miami-based rapper Pitbull will bring his trademark energy and flair to the Axis Theater at Planet Hollywood Resort & Casino, Sept. 15-16.
• Mariachi and Latin pop star Juan Gabriel will perform at Mandalay Bay Resort and Casino, Sept. 16.
• Carlos Santana will perform a string of shows at House of Blues at Mandalay Bay Resort and Casino, Sept. 14, Sept. 16 and Sept. 17-18.
• Spanish singer Enrique Iglesias is coming to the Colosseum at Caesars Palace, Sept. 16-17.
• Julion Alvarez y Su Norteno Banda will take over the Mandalay Bay Events Center inside Mandalay Bay Resort and Casino, Sept. 17.
• Marc Anthony will hold a concert at the Axis Theater at Planet Hollywood Resort & Casino, Sept. 17.
• Mexican rock band Mana performs at the MGM Grand Garden Arena, Sept. 16.