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| Second Annual Mexican Independence Day Festival at Warner Park A celebration of community and culture by Jonathan Gramling |
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| The indigenous people of Mexico had chafed under Spanish rule for centuries. In 1810, a plot that had been hatched by Father Hidalgo Castillo to spur an uprising against the Spanish was uncovered. Father Hidalgo acted decisively, going to the church in Dolores, ringing the church bell, and calling out a grito (cry) "Mexicanos, Viva Mexico!" It was September 16th and the long fight against the Spanish for independence has begun. Ever since, Mexican Independence Day has been observed by people of Mexican heritage throughout the world. "Now, 196 years later, we celebrate it with joy in Mexico," said Francisco Valdes, a consul |
| of Mexico stationed at the Mexican Consulate in Chicago. Valdes was in Madison September 16 to participate in the Second Annual Mexican Independence Day celebration at Warner Park. "The President goes to the main square in Mexico which we call the Zocalo," Valdes continued. "He gives what we call the Grito de Dolores, which is what Father Hidalgo made a long time ago. He makes the grito to the peole at 11 p.m. The Square of Zocalo is full with a big crowd of Mexicans and tourists enjoying Mexico's biggest celebration. After that, the President pulls the string of the bell. This is the original bell that Father Hidalgo rang in 1810 because Porfirio Diaz sent for this bell from the small town of Dolores. The President sounds the bell and then we all sing the national anthem. Then, we have a big party. We have fireworks, music, and all kinds of fun." Madison's Mexican Independence Day, sponsored by Comite Festival Mexicano-Wisconsin, lived up to the Mexican tradition. It was an afternoon filled with dance and musical performances representative of the many regions of Mexico. The performance of Ballet Folklorico Mexico de Hermanos Avila itself was a colorful and stylish review of many of Mexico's cultural traditions. In between performances, the grito contest -- powerful cries by youth and adults alike -- and a jalapeno eating contest -- imagine eating 21 jalapenos in a matter of minutes -- were held. Children's activities, Mexican food vendors, and artisan booths rounded out the day's activities. But most importantly, the Grito de Independencia was called out, with Valdes and Dr. Arnulfo Machucha, a representative of the state of Mexico, participating in the formal civic ceremony. Valdes was impressed by what he saw. "It's amazing how many celebrations we have," Valdes said. "We used to have it only in big cities like Los Angeles, Chicago, and New York, in the past. Nowadays, I think every small town has one. Usually, a representative of the consulate goes to these places and gives the Grito. The honor is for me to be here." This had not been a festival of individuals. It had been a gathering of community. Valdes -- and the rest of those in attendance -- were already making plans to come back next year to Madison's celebration. |
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