On this 210th anniversary of the beginning of the insurrection that brought independence to Mexico, the celebrations were quite different because of the pandemic. A mere 10 minutes of fireworks accompanying the traditional grito—the cry for Independence. The local government decided to close the historic center to pedestrian traffic early in the day on September 15, in order to prevent large gatherings. Then, at 9:40pm, fewer than a dozen officers carried the Mexican flag from the old city hall building to the Casa de Allende Museum where it was handed over to Mayor Luis Alberto Villarreal. He then slowly walked to the balcony of the museum, and before an empty plaza cried out “Viva México!” He also added, “long live the health workers, and long live organized society.” The latter, as he later explained in an interview, was to thank the organized community of San Miguel that has survived these hard times. Although the plaza was empty of people, the celebration was broadcast on digital platforms and on the state TV station.

 

The bell was then rung—a reenactment of the night when Father Miguel Hidalgo called on his followers to fight against the Spanish government and gain independence. After the ceremonial ringing, the national anthem was sung. Following this, there were ten minutes of fireworks visible across the city and as the sky was lit they were accompanied by happy Mexican folk songs. On this unusual year the fireworks were set off from different public plazas: San Antonio, Colonia Azteca, Mirador, and from soccer fields in popular neighborhoods. 

 

Here we share some photos of the celebration.