Mexico City's President Sheinbaum pays tribute to the female heroes of the nation's Independence, marking his inaugural 'Grito' celebration.
On the eve of Mexico's Independence Day, President Claudia Sheinbaum made history as the first female president to deliver the national Cry of Independence from the central balcony of the National Palace in Mexico City's Zócalo.
The celebration began with a resounding performance by La Arrolladora Banda El Limón de René Camacho, increasing the energy in the crowd of an estimated 280,000 revelers. Among them were babies, toddlers, children, and elderly citizens, all eager to witness the momentous occasion.
Roving vendors sold patriotic penachos, sarapes, cigarettes, candy, and festive beverages, adding to the festive atmosphere. As the national party approached, the air was filled with cries of "Claudia!" and "presidenta!" as Sheinbaum appeared on the balcony.
Sheinbaum resumed a tradition started by former president Andrés Manuel López Obrador, by mounting an Honor Guard during her tour of the Gallery of Presidents at the National Palace. The flag she waved was given to her for the first time by military women from Mexico's Heroic Military College.
In her speech, Sheinbaum gave symbolic precedence to the female citizens of the country, honouring Sor Juana Inés de la Cruz as the first woman to be honoured with a commemorative plaque in the Presidential Palace of Mexico. She also wished long life to various Mexican independence heroes, including four women: Josefa Ortiz Téllez Girón, Leona Vicario, Gertrudis Bocanegra, and Manuela Molina.
The Cry of Independence, a call for revolt against Spanish rule issued by priest Miguel Hidalgo y Costilla in 1810, was delivered with Sheinbaum's powerful voice ringing out loud and clear as she declared "Viva México libre, independiente y soberano! ¡Viva México! ¡Viva México!" (Long live free, independent, and sovereign Mexico! Long live Mexico! Long live Mexico!).
Following the event, an elaborate fireworks display lit up the night sky, marking the end of a historic and celebratory day. This year, 2025, is also declared as the "Year of the Indigenous Woman" in Mexico, with a portrait of Leona Vicario being placed in the main gallery of the National Palace for the first time. Various food options such as tacos de canasta, tamales, doraditas, and chicarrones preparados were available in the Zócalo, allowing the crowd to celebrate with traditional Mexican flavours.
President Sheinbaum's delivery of the Cry of Independence is a significant step forward for gender equality in Mexico, setting a precedent for future leaders to continue to honour and celebrate the contributions of women in the country's history and future.
