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This month, mexicanos aren't only celebrating the fact that a girl from Guadalajara was just named Miss Universe. September 16 marks the bicentennial of Mexico’s independence as well as the beginning of New York's seventh-annual Celebrate Mexico Now festival. From September 16 until the end of the month, Celebrate Mexico Now brings a bit of la tierra azteca to the five boroughs by presenting New Yorkers with some of the finest examples of art, culture and music from south of the border. Here are five events worth breaking out the salt and lime for.

September 16–29
New York Authentic Mexican Restaurant Week
There are way too many Mexican restaurants in New York to sample in one lifetime, so set aside this week to taste prix-fixe menus at 24 of the City's best, including Mercadito, Toloache and Hecho en Dumbo. See the complete list of participating restaurants on the Celebrate Mexico Now site. For more info on menus (and tequila pairings), contact your restaurant of choice directly.

September 18
Natalia Lafourcade at Joe’s Pub
Singer-songwriter Natalia Lafourcade started out as the lead singer of Natalia y la Fourquetina and went on to win a Latin Grammy in 2006 for their album, Casa. This year, she's been touring all over the United States and Mexico promoting her latest record Hu Hu Hu, which was released after a four-year hiatus. At her September 18 show at Joe's Pub, she'll present her own brand of alternative rock fused with the smoother sounds of bossa nova and folk—a definite can't-miss.

September 18
Opening Reception for Monica Martinez: Wurmhaus
If you're looking for something a little more exotic to eat, look no further than Wurmhaus, a free exhibition at EyeLevel BQE gallery in Brooklyn. Artist Monica Martinez proposes an alternative to modern agricultural techniques: growing mealworms fit for human consumption. Come view the special habitat she’s created, or taste for yourself. Brooklyn Kitchen hosts a special tasting that same night; guests can pair their grub (pardon the pun) with Mezcal San Honesto and various salsas.

September 18
Moona Luna at El Museo del Barrio
Moona Luna is the side project of alt-rock band Pistolera's lead singer-songwriter Sandra Velasquez, who was inspired to make children's music by the birth of her first child. The bilingual group plays family-friendly songs and provides educational and catchy songs that both parents and kids will enjoy. Bring the kids to see them at El Teatro at El Museo del Barrio.

September 24
Ely Guerra at (Le) Poisson Rouge
She's collaborated with 30 Seconds to Mars and La Ley, been on the cover of Time with Julieta Venegas and has become an alt-rock icon in Latin America. On Friday, September 24, Ely Guerra returns to New York, performing at (Le) Poisson Rouge. She'll be playing songs from her latest album Hombre Invisible, which was launched under her label Homey Company. Is there anything she can't do?

For more information on the Celebrate Mexico Now festival, visit Remezcla.com.