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The Arizona State Capitol was lit up in green, white and red on Sunday night as it hosted an evening filled with Mexican music, dance, the presence of Gov. Katie Hobbs and, of course, “El Grito de Independencia” ceremony, offered by the Consul General of Mexico in Phoenix, Jorge Mendoza Yescas.
This marked the third consecutive year that the Mexican Independence Day ceremony was hosted in front of the Arizona State Capitol in Phoenix. Last year was the first that it was opened to the public. In 2022, the first time it was held in this venue, the ceremony was open only to public officials and special guests.
Hundreds of people gathered on Sunday evening, anxious to hear the infamous independence battle cry that 214 years ago gave way to the war for independence against Spanish rule. “El Grito de Independencia,” which translates to “independence cry,” is ceremoniously given on the night of every Sept. 15, both by the President of Mexico and by dignitaries across the globe.
Ana Mafud, a news anchor at Noticiero Telemundo Arizona, was the host for the evening, presenting musical and artistic acts throughout the night. Among the guests who delighted the audience with their performances were Danza Alma de México, Mariachi Osos del Valle, the duo Hijos de Jalisco and the children’s group Fama Kids.
The evening also featured the presence of some political figures who offered a few words to the attendees, like Sen. Anna Hernandez (LD24), Rep. Mariana Sandoval (LD13), Rep. Lupe Contreras (LD19) and the first migrant senator to be appointed in the Mexican Congress, Karina Ruiz.
This was Hobbs’s first-ever Grito ceremony, during which she presented the general consul in Mexico with a state proclamation that made the celebrations of Mexican Independence Day and Hispanic Heritage Month — celebrated from Sept. 15 to Oct. 15 — state-recognized holidays.
She went up to the podium to share a few words, escorted by music from the marching band. “Good evening,” the governor said in Spanish and went on to deliver a speech in English in which she highlighted the strong relationship between the United States and Mexico.
“In the United States, we honor and celebrate the victory of Mexican independence because we understand that our histories are linked. Especially here in Arizona, where approximately 85% of our Latino population is of Mexican origin,” Hobbs said. “We know that our Mexican neighbors are part of Arizona’s identity.”
At the end of her speech, Hobbs invited Mendoza Yescas to the stage and provided him with the official proclamation, which she read aloud.
After Hobbs’ speech, the Hermosillo, Sonora, marching band was received on stage. Following this, the American and Mexican national anthems were sung and the traditional “Grito de Independencia” was performed by the consul.
“Mexicans! “Long live the women and men who gave us our country and freedom! Long live national independence! Long live Hidalgo! Long live Josefa Ortiz! Long live Aldama and Matamoros! Long live Morelos! Long live Leona Vicario! Long live Guerrero! Long live the Mexican community in Arizona! Long live Mexican Americans in Arizona! Long live our friends in Arizona! Long live the state of Arizona! Long live Mexico! Long live Mexico! Long live Mexico!” he exclaimed.
Have story tips on Latino communities in the Valley? Reach La Voz reporter Paula Soria at [email protected].
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Publish date : 2024-09-16 09:04:00
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