| Keyword | Description |
|---|---|
| Grito de Independencia | A traditional call to honor Mexico’s independence. |
| Indigenous | People native to a land, like the original peoples of Mexico. |
| Sovereignty | The power of a country to control its own government. |
In Mexico City, President Claudia Sheinbaum led a special ceremony for the Grito de Independencia. This event celebrates when Mexico began its fight for freedom from Spain. Sheinbaum shouted “¡Viva!” (which means “long live”) for many heroes and heroines who helped Mexico become independent. She also honored Indigenous and Afro-Mexican people, as well as Mexicans living in other countries.
Sheinbaum, the first female president of Mexico, made history by including people like Antonia Nava and Afro-Mexicans in the Grito for the first time. She spoke from the National Palace with her husband beside her. The ceremony ended with fireworks and music from famous bands.
Thousands of people gathered peacefully in the Zócalo, Mexico City’s main square, to watch the event. Important officials, like the attorney general and Supreme Court chief justice, were also present. The celebration was calm and well-organized, thanks to the work of many people and the cooperation of the citizens. The Mexico City government said more than 300,000 people attended, showing their support for Sheinbaum and the country’s independence.
Bridging words
These words sound similar in English and Spanish: Why not practice them now?
| English | Spanish |
|---|---|
| Independence | Independencia |
| Hero | Héroe |
| Democracy | Democracia |
Time to discuss
- Why is the Grito de Independencia an important event in Mexico?
- How does honoring different groups of people show respect for diversity?
- What does it mean for a country to have sovereignty?
Let’s Write
Answer the following questions in one paragraph.
- Who are some of the heroes and heroines mentioned in the Grito, and why are they important?
- How did the people of Mexico City celebrate the Grito de Independencia?
