Today (the 16th) is Independence Day here in Mexico! But in typical Mexican fashion, the party started yesterday. I headed early to the refuge to set up for the party later that afternoon. After all the tables were decorated in red white and green, pots and pans of traditional foods prepared, and hair and makeup done for the girls, the presentation started. Some of the girls had prepared short speeches about how the holiday is celebrated in the parts of Mexico they come from, they did a traditional dance in fancy skirts, and broke their 3 hand-made piñatas. There was lots of food (too much) and traditional games too. It was awesome to see the girls having so much fun celebrating, and I loved learning different traditions from them as well. I left the refuge early to meet up with my family. We live in a really old, historic, beautiful neighborhood here in the city, so we had plans to go to the big square for the festivities that night.
See, every year across Mexico in different city squares and government buildings they reenact what's called "el grito". In 1810, after 300 years of being ruled by Spain, tired of the unfair oppression of native Mexicans by Spaniards, a priest named Miguel Hidalgo made a call to action, known as "El Grito de Dolores" to those wanting to join the fight for independence. Little did he know how many every-day people would join the fight. So every year, delegates reenact this grito, reading out what people think to be an accurate representation of this speech. The format goes something like this:
"Viva {someone important}"
Everyone: "Viva!" (Long live!)
"Viva {an important idea/thing}"
Everyone: "Viva!!"
And on and on through the list ending in three consecutive, strong, loud "VIVA MEXICO" from everybody!
(See video above - that was not taken by me- for the video of last night!)
As I mentioned, we live near one of the most popular places to come to a "grito". Every year it's full of people waiting to scream out in celebration of their independence.
We headed out about 2 hours before the grito in search of food. Tacos and plátanos fritos it was. YUM!
After eating and walking around some, we made our way to the square to find a spot for the ceremony. As you all know, I'm short, chances of me seeing over a crowd are slim to none. We stopped and stood looking right at the side of the balcony/ porch area the grito would take place on. In front of us, people were standing on the tall ledge of this planter to see, but there was no more room. My host mom saw this black metal thing that's meant to keep cars from driving/ parking there and told me to stand on it so I could see as she and my host brother helped keep me balanced. All the sudden a military drum line starts marching and the ceremony was underway. A short little intro was made then the grito started! Every time we all screamed "Viva!", my heart swelled with excitement. An unexplainable warmth and happiness washed over me. All the sudden, I was crying. No, that flag waving is not my flag, this speech is not in my first language, this is not my Independence Day, but I'm crying. These people come from a different culture, different context than me. They look different then me, talk different than me, but I'm here celebrating with them.
I've been trying to figure out why I cried all day. Thankfulness for being brought to this country, placed here by God and remembering all the things throughout the years that played a part in that? Being moved by people, coming together, united, to celebrate their country no matter their political, social differences? There's no denying seeing that many people participate, all shouting joyously, will move you. Was it that I know more now about the diverse and beautiful history of this country, that seeing it celebrated in mass brought me to tears? Was it the dichotomy of missing my own country and culture while being so very wrapped up in the other? Truth is, it's probably all of these things and more. I mean, it's also no secret I'm a cryer. Anywhere above a 7 and below a 3 on the emotional scale and I'm crying. But, this caught me off guard. Despite being excited all day, I didn't expect to cry.
I don't think I can really explain to you all the beauty and profoundness of the connection I felt during the grito. It's an atmosphere I can't transmit through words. To top it all off, they start singing the national anthem afterwards. And then fireworis started going off right above us. Bright bursts of red, white, and green. They were seriously some of the biggest, closest fireworks I've ever seen. It was incredible!
The whole ceremony was loud, big, and colorful, just like Mexico. I guess all I can really say is I'm so thankful to be here, living in a culture I love, serving the people God has given me a heart for. What a better way to celebrate that than el grito!?