Mexicans in the US celebrate Mexican Independence Day and reinforce their identity

September 15 marks Mexico’s Independence Day, one of the most important celebrations in the country. Every year, thousands of people participate in civic events, cultural activities, and the Grito de la Independencia ceremony, which in 2025 will be the first Grito by President Claudia Sheinbaum since she took office.

As you know, Mexican Independence was the process that liberated New Spain from Spanish rule, beginning on September 16, 1810, with Miguel Hidalgo’s “Grito de Dolores” (Cry of Dolores) and culminating on September 27, 1821, with the entry of the Trigarante Army into Mexico City.

This date is also celebrated in Mexican consulates in other countries, such as the United States. However, in light of the Trump administration’s anti-immigrant policies and the latent threat of raids, some events have been postponed, while others have been reinforced with the support of authorities, such as in Los Angeles.

For now, President Claudia Sheinbaum has recommended celebrating this holiday with caution.

Elsa Mejía, born in Fresno, California, and the daughter of immigrants from Oaxaca, talks about her identity as a Mexican and how her parents have instilled in her a connection to her roots. She recalls that her parents taught them to love Mexico and feel secure in their place of origin. She acknowledges that it is difficult to learn that identity because they live it from afar.

Ernesto Aguilar, who lives in Bakersfield, California, but was born in Guanajuato, is proud to be Mexican. He says that love for his homeland is demonstrated by being a good citizen.

José Peraza, who was born in Yucatán and lives in the Bay Area, is a cultural promoter who celebrates being Mexican and promotes culture in this part of the US.

The night of September 15 is one of the most eagerly awaited by Mexicans, and on this occasion, a collective of 18 artists from Mexico and the US, called Legado de Grandeza, will perform and sing the anthem to migrants…