Happy 200 Years, Mexico! ¡VIVA!

Today and tomorrow (hey, all week – why not!) we in Mexico are celebrating Mexico’s 200th birthday!  It was just before midnight on the 15th of September 1810 that Miguel Hidalgo, a priest in the town of Dolores, ordered the bells to be rung.  His battle-cry is now known as El Grito de Dolores or El Grito de la Independencia – the Shout of the Independence.

That shout will be repeated all over Mexico tonight.

I mentioned José Morelos a few days ago – another Mexican hero, he took over as a leader when Hidalgo was executed in 1811.  His vision for freedom and equality was written up in one of Mexico’s earliest treasured documents, the Feelings of the Nation (Sentimientos de la Nación).  In it he called for the official end to all slavery and class distinction, with "only vice and virtue" to distinguish one Mexican from another.

So today, Mexico is celebrating a great tradition of freedom and equality!

Morelos is my favourite for another reason – he always wore a tightly wound clothe on his head – for relief from migraine pain.

Today the celebration will begin in one of the world’s largest central city square – Mexico City’s Zocalo.  About 7000 people will be involved in the parade.  A million or more people are expected to be there at the scene.  Fireworks, concerts – the whole nine yards.  After all, 200 years only comes every – well, it only comes once!

Mexico’s president will be giving the shout tonight, broadcast around the world.

Last night our community centre kicked of the celebration with games and Mexican food in the community of Jesús María.  This is also a bit of a yearly kick-off for the community centre – regular weekly activities resume next week.

Our kids had school Monday and Tuesday, but they’re off for the rest of the week.

So remember Mexico, pray for Mexico, and remember – there are a lot of great reasons to be thankful!