¡Viva México!

Mexico declared its independence from Spain on September 16, 1810. The festivities typically take place over two days. We began with a traditional Mexican lunch of pozole (hominy) that the students ate as if it were their last meal. Pozole is served with cabbage, radishes, oregano, cilantro, onions and limes....everyone took the preparation of their bowls very seriously. At the end of the meal, the cooks were called out of the kitchen to receive a standing ovation for such an outstanding meal. Later tonight the students (Please notice I said "the students." I will be tucked safely in my bed long before midnight when the shoutiong starts.) will gather with thousands of others on the main plaza of the city to hear the governor read the declaration of independence. At the end of each section, the crowd shouts, "¡Viva México!"

This scene is reenacted throughout México from Mexico City where an estimated 50,000 people crowd into the zocalo each year to the smallest village where there may be a crowd of only 10. there. The president, governors, mayors or the only literate person in town reads the same proclamation. Fireworks are a must as are music and alcohol. So all together now, let's hear it: ¡Viva México!