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jennifer rose

Sep 13, 2004, 7:53 PM

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Celebrating Dia de la Independencia

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How many of you are planning to sing the Himno Nacional (Mexican National Anthem) at noon Central, 1 p.m. Eastern, on Wednesday? I know that I'll be, even in a monotone.

What are your plans for celebrating the holiday this year?

(This post was edited by jennifer rose on Sep 15, 2004, 7:18 AM)

esperanza

Sep 13, 2004, 9:27 PM

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Re: [jennifer rose] Celebrating Dia de la Independencia

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Yesterday in honor of the fiestas patrias there was a traditional Pasarela del Rebozo in the Ajijic plaza. Seventy local women, ranging in age from 30 months to 80 years, paraded in their most beautiful rebozos around and through the plaza. Most of the rebozos were family heirlooms--many from Santa Maria--and some were hand embroidered, lovingly passed from one generation of women to the next. The Mariachi de Chapala played to accompany la famosa cantante Lupita Jiménez, there were speeches recounting the history and variety of use of the rebozo and a marvelous time was had by all.

Wednesday night I plan to be in the plaza again for the festivities, the grito, the fireworks, and the music. Thursday will be the parade and then the whole rest of the day to remember and celebrate the beginning of independence here in Mexico.

It's a wonderful time of year, filled with tradition and pride. ¡Viva México! ¡Qué viva!

http://www.mexicocooks.typepad.com

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jennifer rose

Sep 15, 2004, 7:24 AM

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Re: [esperanza] Celebrating Dia de la Independencia

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It would be interesting if everyone would report on the singing of the Himno Nacional today -- where they were, how many sang along, the public reaction.

If my timing is correct, the odds are that I'll be at Costco or the bank.

This afternoon, depending upon whether or not I finish putting together my costume and my act, we'll go to downtown Morelia to take in the pre-festivities, heading back home to get some work done before tonight's round of parties. Thursday will be a day to recuperate before Friday and Saturday nights' parties.

In Michoacan, where 30 September is Morelos' birthday, we manage to make Dia de la Independencia last almost a month.

gpk

Sep 15, 2004, 3:37 PM

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Re: [jennifer rose] Celebrating Dia de la Independencia

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At the gym in Irapuato--ZERO!! Only about 10 people there.

Carol Schmidt

Sep 15, 2004, 5:00 PM

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Re: [jennifer rose] Celebrating Dia de la Independencia

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San Miguel celebrates its saints day the end of the month and there's the Running of the Bulls Sept. 26, so we're celebrating all month, too. I was in painting class at 1, but we went over to Parque Juarez which is celebrating its 100th birthday today with the opening of a new gazebo and many improvements, and then there was live music in the Jardin at 5, though a sudden thunderstorm caused havoc. Tonight we'll go over to the Jardin for El Grito, music and fireworks, and tomorrow is the big parade, for which we have ringside seats on someone's roof. We even bought a medium-sized Mexican flag and have it planted in our geranium planter on the porch.

Carol Schmidt

Mazatlan RLibrary

Sep 15, 2004, 5:31 PM

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Re: [jennifer rose] Celebrating Dia de la Independencia

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I live next door to an elementary school in Mazatlan. This afternon the kids sang it with great enthusiasm! They sing it every Monday morning, but this was truly different, the volume up about 3 times. Don't know what went on in other parts of Maz. Maybe Esteban and Marlene will comment. Dee

jennifer rose

Sep 15, 2004, 6:48 PM

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Re: [gpk] Celebrating Dia de la Independencia

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I was behind schedule by noon and found myself at Walmart in Morelia, where they announced over the P.A. at 15, 10 and 5 minutes before the hour that noon was approaching. And everything stopped while we sang. Never mind that it was a capella and nearly everyone stumbled over the words. Except for a bass voice of some customer who belted it all out. For a brief moment in time, it mattered not whether the participants were PRI, PAN, PRD or even expatriate Republicans. What mattered was that for about 5 minutes, we were all one, trying to read from the same page and sing the same tune.

Texwheel

Sep 15, 2004, 9:08 PM

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Re: [jennifer rose] Celebrating Dia de la Independencia

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A very moving report. I'd like to see that here in the US on special holidays at other than sporting events.
Tom Williams
Georgetown, Texas
Texwheel@aol.com

Rolly

Sep 15, 2004, 9:13 PM

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Re: [jennifer rose] Celebrating Dia de la Independencia

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I missed the singing -- I was working on my air conditioner. But I did make it to a fun party at my church (Mormon) with about 100 adults and goodness knows how many kids. We had music for dancing and good food - two tostadas and some kind of fruit water for one peso. The kids were encouraged to come in 'native' Mexican dress. Some really cute little ones.

Rolly Pirate

E-visit me http://Rollybrook.com
On Facebook as Rolly Brook

Don

Sep 15, 2004, 10:29 PM

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Re: [jennifer rose] Celebrating Dia de la Independencia

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Earlier today, the wife and I were with another "gringo" couple at a speak English session with about 14 English speaking Mexicans from our town. At 12 noon, the class stood and sang The Himno Nacional. I refrained from singing so as not to offend our Mexican friends.

At night we went to the plaza which was alive with people. The plaza was all decorated and a stage set up in front of the Presidencia and there was singing and dancers entertaining the crowd until 11. Just prior to 11 we entered the Presidencia and went upstairs to the Presidente's office. About 15 people were present. We congratulated the presidente and his wife on this important day. At about 5 minutes to 11, in marched several soldiers carrying the Mexican flag. All in the room stood and saluted the flag. The presidente took the flag and went onto the outside balcony at 11:00 p.m. Waving the flag he gave the "grito". After his delivery, all including the crowd outside, sang the Himno Nacional. The fireworks then broke out from atop the Presidencia and other buildings. He then returned to the room, returned the flag to the military. The military left and all in the room at that time, stopped saluting. Everyone then exited the office and joined many others in the presidencia. Tamales and soft drinks were served to all present.
I felt very privileged to have seen all the behind the scenes activities.

esperanza

Sep 16, 2004, 12:11 AM

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Re: [Don] Celebrating Dia de la Independencia

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It's ten past two in the morning and I just came home from the Ajijic plaza. The band is still playing, people are still dancing. In spite of the torrential rains just before tonight, the party never slowed. I spent the late evening enjoying a concert with Mexican friends--I was the only foreigner in the crowd and was introduced from the stage as having 'el corazón más mexicano que el nopal'.

To sleep, perchance to dream.

http://www.mexicocooks.typepad.com

jennifer rose

Sep 16, 2004, 1:20 AM

Post #12 of 12 (282 views)

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Re: [esperanza] Celebrating Dia de la Independencia

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I just returned home after hitting three parties. The first two were just to make an appearance and prelude to the final party. The hostess had asked that everyone prepare something for a talent show, but I missed the rehearsal last weekend for the dance segment, so I settled for telling a few jokes instead of reciting a poem which I hadn't finished making up. Everyone sort of wondered what my cuñado's contribution would be. A few minutes before 11, he snuck out of the room, returning dressed as Presidente Fox, complete with the sash and boots, sang out the grito, and rang the bell. His impersonation of Vicente Fox was clearly the highlight of the evening.