BajaNomad - Mexican Independence Day

Mexican Independence Day

Mango - 9-8-2007 at 09:43 AM

Mexican Independence Day is only a week away. It's September 16th, and the flag vendors and trinket salesmen have been out in force here in Mexicali for about a week now.

I was just curious as to what everyone will be doing next Sunday? Does your town/village have a special tradition or fiesta?

I'd love to hear about it, see pictures, and swap stories.

I have no plans so far other than to head to the local park and street market on Sunday and see whats going on.

Viva Mexico!

DENNIS - 9-8-2007 at 10:20 AM

I'm going to celebrate Mexican Independence Day with a box of Pacifico and the NFL.

DianaT - 9-8-2007 at 10:26 AM

Quote:

Originally posted by DENNIS
I'm going to celebrate Mexican Independence Day with a box of Pacifico and the NFL.

I thought only wine came in boxes.

Diane

DENNIS - 9-8-2007 at 10:27 AM

Wine....Cornflakes...Beer....Lotsa stuff.

Oso - 9-8-2007 at 10:37 AM

"Days" actually. While technically correct that the 16th is Independence day, the fact that the "Grito" occurs at midnight means that Mexicans logically celebrate both days, the 15th and the 16th and call it "Las Fiestas Patrias". Here on the border, both our Indian Casinos will have blowouts, one has booked Los Tigres Del Norte. The Consulate will host a somewhat more sedate celebration downtown at the historical theater with baile folklorico and the kid's mariachi from Gadsden.

My first encounter with the tradition was in the Zocalo of Mexico City in 1963. Lopez Mateos gave the grito.

oldhippie - 9-8-2007 at 10:43 AM

I'll take pictures at the beach in TJ. If it's a hot day there will be a different fiesta every 10 feet. The large patio seafood restaurant overlooking the main beach, Los Arcos, just south of the bullring will be fun. I'll probably take in a few bullfights too. ole

Bajafun777 - 9-8-2007 at 10:49 AM

I usually go to Calexico and they have a big fiesta in the park by city hall and in the street outside the Consul and city hall. Makes for a good evening of talking with friends and popping a few cold ones with great food also. Mexican Consul, Calexico City Council members, County Supervisor for that district all link up and the music and good times just blend together. Later-------------------bajafun777

Wondering ?

MrBillM - 9-8-2007 at 11:54 AM

Given the rocky road that Mexican Independence has travelled, one must wonder what the result would have been if Spain had remained in control of Mexico. Would the events (colonization by U.S. residents) that led up to the Alamo and independence for Texas have even occurred ? Would the Mexican war ? If not, what would have happened to Texas, California, Arizona and New Mexico ? what fate would Mexico suffer/enjoy as a result of the Spanish-American war ? If Mexico were still part of Spain in the pre-WWII era, what results would Spain's alignment with the German government have brought about ? Would Mexico be better off today as a result of not gaining independence at the time ?

There is, of course, no doubt that it would have been independent at some point before WWI (most likely as a result of the Spanish-American war) because Spain no longer had the ability to hold on to the colony.

We'll never know, just as we can never know what would have happened if King George had given us "Taxation WITH Representation".

Oso - 9-8-2007 at 11:57 AM

Bill,
If your Aunt had balls would she be your Uncle?

Bear Brains

MrBillM - 9-8-2007 at 12:16 PM

Now there's a great, but not unexpected, retort.

Disregarding physiological musings, there have been a multitude of volumes written over the years that posed the same sort of questions with regard to possible alternative historical events in Germany, Russia, Europe, Asia, Africa and the United States. Interestingly (or maybe not) I haven't ever seen one which mused over Mexico's history. Maybe it's never been considered that important or intriguing.

Those fictional accounts that I read or viewed never delved into the alternative genitalia of relatives. Perhaps they missed a good opportunity.

[Edited on 9-8-2007 by MrBillM]

Gnome-ad - 9-8-2007 at 12:37 PM

I was not here last year, but hear there's some good partying that happens here in TS. Looking forward to it. Fireworks are starting right now in anticipation! :biggrin:

Having just finished the last (I think) in the "Aztec" series of historical novels which includes reference to Miguel Hildalgo, I am enthusiastic about celebrating the beginning cry for independence from an at the time oppressive and de-humanizing Spanish rule. Don't even want to contemplate "what ifs" about it (I think it would have been sad) - will celebrate what IS!! Even bought a good size Mexican flag to fly in honor.

Viva Mexico! :spingrin:

woody with a view - 9-8-2007 at 01:53 PM

Quote:

Having just finished the last (I think) in the "Aztec" series of historical novels

the first is EPIC. can't get through the second, since the author died and a ghost writer finished his idea.....

Gnome-ad - 9-8-2007 at 02:11 PM

Hi Woody ~
Know what you mean - none of the other three were as good as the first, but I found the last one to be the best of them.

Gnome-Ad

bajajudy - 9-8-2007 at 02:26 PM

Actually the entire month of September is called mes de patria. It is the month when chiles en nogado(I hope that is the correct spelling!) are served all month because the dish is green, white and red. If you have never tried this dish, do so this month. One warning, it is served cool not hot. I made the mistake of asking why mine was cold the first time I tried it in DF. It is delicious and beautiful too!

We will go into San Jose and see if they finished the new town square...doubtful from what I saw today. The people will not be happy if there is no place to celebrate, nor will I. I have never made it to el grito...too late for me.

DENNIS - 9-8-2007 at 02:26 PM

"Aztec Rage" got sensational reviews but most of them had to be from rageing hormone gorged teenagers.
If you want to stay with Jennings, read "The Journeyer" and if you have lots of time, "Spangle."

DENNIS - 9-8-2007 at 02:28 PM

Quote:

Originally posted by bajajudy
I have never made it to el grito...too late for me.

It must be out on CD by now, doncha think?

sylens - 9-8-2007 at 03:18 PM

we'll also be celebrating with the nfl and our huge mexican flag flying on the terrace. :yes:

it went up september 1 and won't come down until october1. wait wait. maybe it will remain up through october, mes de la raza. :tumble:

we'll just keep an eye on what our neighbor does and do likewise. :cool:

our beer will be guinness. :lol:

a gift brought from visitors del otro lado, that must be consumed before it goes bad. :bounce:

How would you know?

Dave - 9-8-2007 at 03:38 PM

Quote:

Originally posted by sylens
our beer will be guinness. :lol:

a gift brought from visitors del otro lado, that must be consumed before it goes bad. :bounce:

Just kidding. I'm a fan but never heard of Guinness going bad. It's never refrigerated so... how?

you got me

sylens - 9-8-2007 at 03:47 PM

it just seems so unpatriotic to drink irish beer during mexican independence, that i had to have a "compelling" reason.
:spingrin:

guess i'm busted :lol:

DENNIS - 9-8-2007 at 03:57 PM

Stored, unused beer is alcohol abuse.

sylens - 9-8-2007 at 03:58 PM

:lol:

Unpatriotic? I don't theen so

Dave - 9-8-2007 at 04:53 PM

Quote:

Originally posted by sylens
it just seems so unpatriotic to drink irish beer during mexican independence

got me again

sylens - 9-8-2007 at 05:11 PM

guess we'll drink our guinness guilt-free.

and now, back to the thread,

VIVA MEXICO! :bounce:

Paulina - 9-8-2007 at 05:20 PM

Quote:

Originally posted by Oso
..... Here on the border, both our Indian Casinos will have blowouts, one has booked Los Tigres Del Norte....

Oso,
Are you going to make that show? Dern and I saw them at the Chumash Casino a couple of years ago and it was fantastico! They are one of my favorites!

P<*)))><

shari - 9-8-2007 at 05:28 PM

Our village already has it's colorful buntings up at the city hall...our "Grito" is about 10:00 at night so the kids can be there...it is a big fiesta with fokloric dancing, singing, all the village performers do their thing and sometimes outside groups come in as well, the whole town goes...lots of yummy food and festive costumes. A really nice family event...I think more foreigners should go to a mexican village or city to witness this terrific fiesta.

Oso - 9-9-2007 at 08:00 AM

Quote:

Originally posted by Paulina

Quote:

Originally posted by Oso
..... Here on the border, both our Indian Casinos will have blowouts, one has booked Los Tigres Del Norte....

Oso,
Are you going to make that show? Dern and I saw them at the Chumash Casino a couple of years ago and it was fantastico! They are one of my favorites!

P<*)))><

Probably not, some friends have invited me to go hunting in V. Trinidad over the weekend. I do really like the Tigres but Paradise, the Quechan casino, is not the most comfortable venue. We've been there twice for Little Joe y La Familia. The performances were great, but it would have been nicer in a Vegas style setting with tables and waitresses instead of sitting shoulder to shoulder on metal folding chairs with a cup of beer between my legs.

TMW - 9-9-2007 at 08:27 AM

Yesterday was Brews in the Village, all the beer and wine you want (at $55 a ticket), nothing to do with Mexico. Today is Mexico Day at the Kern county fair grounds. Next weekend the celebration is in Delano Sat and Sun, parades and all the fun. I'm sure Bakersfield will also have something huge going on to mark the occasion.