Music, tradition and pride filled Miller Outdoor Theatre as Houstonians celebrated Mexican Independence Day and kicked off Hispanic Heritage Month.<\/p>\n
For many in attendance, the event was a chance to honor their roots, celebrate Mexico’s history and share their culture with the community.<\/p>\n
“I’m coming here to celebrate the independence of Mexico,” one woman said.<\/p>\n
“Me siento contenta de que lo hagan aqu\u00ed y nos den la libertad de expresarnos como latinos, como diferentes pa\u00edses,” she added.<\/p>\n
She said she was grateful to celebrate freely in Houston and express her identity alongside people from different Latin American countries.<\/p>\n
Some attended to learn more about Mexican culture and the history behind the celebration.<\/p>\n
“Definitely very proud to be part of Houston and the Latin community,” another attendee said. “Just very proud to be Latina during this time.”<\/p>\n
For one Mexican American man, that pride was represented by the Mexican flag he carried.<\/p>\n
“For me, it’s an honor because even though I was born here, I am a Mexican American because of my parents, because they came from Mexico,” he said.<\/p>\n
He said he has attended the celebration for four years, and the flag has become part of his annual tradition.<\/p>\n
The event included the national anthems of the United States and Mexico, mariachi performances and the traditional Grito de Dolores.<\/p>\n
The ceremonial call of “\u00a1Viva M\u00e9xico!” commemorates the beginning of Mexico’s fight for independence from Spain in 1810.<\/p>\n
More than 200 years later, the tradition continues to bring people together as Houstonians honor Mexico’s culture, history and independence.<\/p>\n