Photos from Coyoacán's festivities can be seen by clicking on this post's title or by pasting the following into your browser:
http://homepage.mac.com/rachelsair/fulbright/PhotoAlbum28.html
Leading up to Mexico’s Independence Day and in recognition of September as the month to celebrate the homeland, buses have flags draped over side view mirrors or stretched across the back window, cars too have flags enveloping the hoods and flags soar proudly from residences, many also decorated with streamers and other adornments. Down so many streets vendors push shopping carts full of supplies for the festivities like giant Mexican flags and smaller ones, green, white and red beach balls, dolls, ribbons and barrettes for little girls and toys, plastic trumpets and noise makers for kids of all ages. At intersections, giant green, silver and red metallic bells hang symbolically.
To the casual eye, the ornamental bells may be simply a decoration; however, the bell is quite symbolic. At 11 P.M. on September 15 in town squares all across Mexico the epic acts of Father Miguel Hidalgo are reenacted. On that night in 1810, Hidalgo rang the church bell to call his congregation to the church for a mass; upon arrival, he rallied them to fight. Hidalgo gave the speech that is now called Grito de Dolores. He said "Viva Mexico" and "Viva la Independencia!" These famous words are said each year at Independence Day celebrations, honoring the “crucial, impulsive action that was the catalyst for the country's fierce struggle for independence from Spain”. (http://teacherlink.ed.usu.edu/tlresources/units/Byrnes-celebrations/mid.html & http://www.mexonline.com/grito.htm)
On the evening of September 15, Coyoacán’s main plaza was buzzing with excitement. The infinite food stalls offered anything from desserts and snacks like flan, churros, cotton candy and waffles to heartier items like quesadillas, sopes, enchiladas, Pancita and more. There were rides for the kids and carnival games with prizes. All around the plaza couples, friends and children could be spotted dancing to the live music, performed on stage in front of the cathedral. From all over the plaza the music could be heard and the performers were visible, projected onto giant screens. At 11 P.M. shouts of “Viva México” filled the air with the same echoed in response. The booming of fireworks and a brightly lit sky followed. The evening was the beginning of a long weekend of celebrations throughout Mexico. September 16 is a national holiday honoring Mexico’s independence. Throughout the month of September the country bubbles with excitement, unites and revels in its independence.
¡Qué viva México!
