‘Viva Mexico!’ – Let The Mexican Fiesta Begin
The entire Mexican nation finds itself today in great fiesta as it celebrates both the 200 anniversary of its Independence and 100th anniversary of its Revolution. The “Anon de la Patria” or “Year of the Nation” as 2010 has been proclaimed by President Felipe Calderon brought Mexicans a strong reason to enjoy. 16 September 1810 is the day of the “Grito de Dolores” or Miguel Hidalgo’s call to take up arms against Spanish colonial government.
The celebration of these two great dates is strongly related to Mexico’s whish to try and renew its identity and historic continuity. Mexicans and foreign citizens as well are invited to take part in these events to find out more things about Mexico’s past history.
Tomorrow, September 16, 2010, Mexico will be honoring the heroes of Mexico, heroes who have declared their independence from the Spanish Crown 200 years ago as well as the people who stood up for such ideals as democracy, liberty and justice during the revolution that took place 100 years later. Thanks to all these people’s sacrifice we can now speak about the Mexican culture as one of the most admired cultures in the world.
This anniversary moment comes in a moment when drug gangs have adopted increasingly brutal and seemingly indiscriminate tactics, including the massacre of 72 migrants last month. Therefore the fiesta took place among military helicopters buzzing overhead, heavily armed federal agents and metal detectors.
Therefore, due to all these drug gangs and the existing possibility for them to consider bicentennial events a possible target, Mexican authorities have decided to cancel celebrations in many towns, for security reasons mainly.
Wednesday’s show of concerts, parades and fireworks in Mexico City is said to be the largest of its kind in Mexico.
In Ciudad Juarez, Mexico’s city to be considered a city with a very high death rate, major security concerns are altering the traditional Independence Day festivities.
Usually a person who decided to spend this period in Mexico, and particularly in Ciudad, as well as in other Mexican cities, will be addressed today by the mayor of the city, who, just before 11 p.m. will come out onto a balcony at the city hall, carrying in one hand the Mexican flag, and shouting as loud as he can “Viva Mexico!”
Yet today things will be different. Due to the drug related violence and to the fact that more than 6,000 people have been murdered, and residents live in fear, Juarez Mayor Jose Reyes Ferriz declared the following: “We are not going to have music. We are not going to have a massive concentration of the population on the city buildings”.
Reyes didn’t want to take any risks as he wanted to avoid unpleasant events.
Unwanted things occurred two years ago in the state of Michoacan, a grenade being placed in the middle of a crowd during the Independence Day celebration. Eight people were killed at that time, and more than a hundred were injured.
And so, the serious drug issue that Mexico faces threatens to shadow the Mexican fiesta.
Yet, Mexicans are well known for the tequila parties they organize and this year’s bicentennial will probably still witness the joy and love of life that generally characterizes Mexicans.
Therefore, the so called Mexican spirit survived or at least tries to survive recent violent events. Contrary to some reports, Juarez isn’t completely canceling its celebration.
Mexicans Having Fun
Ramos says despite the violence, there is still reason to celebrate in Mexico.
Juarez authorities have decided to launch fireworks from six different points in the city, thing which makes it possible for Juarez residents to be capable to remain home and still see them.
Yet, as the name of the year says “Year of the Grito”, as proclaimed by Federico Calderon, the grito, or cry of independence, will still be delivered by Mayor Reyes Ferriz.
But unlike other times Juarenzes will have to listen to it on the radio or watch it on TV.
“This is the 200th anniversary of our country. So we are going to have a fireworks display like the city has never seen,” the Juarez mayor says.
More than 100,000 people are expected at the Mexico City events, guarded by more than 14,000 police officers, including snipers on rooftops.
A 65ft (20m) warrior statue is being erected in the center of the capital to soar over the revellers.
The high peak of the celebration will be the traditional “grito” by Mexican President Felipe Calderon, which will be delivered to the country from the capital’s main square.
The shout is an echo of the battle cry of Catholic priest Miguel Hidalgo, who began the 1810 uprising.
All Mexican citizens will cry “Viva Mexico!” in response.
Two things may cast a shadow on the Mexican celebration: one of them being the drug violence and the other the costs of this entire fiesta, costs which are estimated to be of about $230m (£148m). This cost represents a real concern for many of the Mexicans.
A survey in the Reforma newspaper suggested eight out of 10 Mexico City residents thought too much was being spent.
Due to the drug violence acts many Mexicans consider that this represents a quite good reason for having nothing to celebrate.
Mexico City
Tonight all the Mexican people are getting prepared for the “Grito de la Independencia”. These special days will be celebrated by some Mexicans at the Angel de la Independencia in Mexico City, while others will probably choose to celebrate it at home with family and friends and a delicious dinner which will most surely not lack guacamole and different hot salsas.
Tomorrow the fiesta will continue, the day being celebrated too. The Mexican authorities have declared this day a holiday, and as such nobody works, except restaurants and theme parks.
Hopefully, this important bicentennial will make all Mexicans even more proud of whom they are.
