Mexicans celebrate outgoing President Obrador on Independence Day: Video
Mexico City came alive with vibrant colours and music as thousands gathered to celebrate Independence Day, on Monday, September 16.
The festivities took a more significant turn when Mexicans paid special tributes to the outgoing President Andrés Manuel López Obrador.
"President Obrador has done so much for our country. Tonight, we celebrate not just our independence, but also his contributions," said Maria Gonzalez, a resident.
Her sentiment was echoed by many others who see Obrador as a champion of the people.
"First, it's [we are here] to celebrate the beginning of the independence movement, but also because we support the president, who is our president because we elected him, Andres Manuel Lopez Obrador." Alfonso Sanvicente, a teacher told AFP.
Mexico's Independence Day is celebrated on September 16th each year. This day marks the anniversary of the "Grito de Dolores," a historic event in 1810 when Father Miguel Hidalgo y Costilla, a Catholic priest, called for Mexico's independence from Spanish rule.
The celebrations typically include vibrant parades, fireworks, music, and traditional dances. The "Grito de Independencia" is reenacted, with the President of Mexico ringing the same bell that Father Hidalgo used, followed by the crowd shouting "¡Viva México!"
