Imagine Mexico in 1821, when the Independence movement finally prevailed and freed the country from Spanish colonial rule. It was a land of huge cultural diversity, enormous regional differences and the most rudimentary system of communications.
How then were the new leaders going to forge a national identity to unite all these disparate elements? Through the rest of that century and into the Revolutionary era, nation building was achieved with the relentless emphasis of patriotic symbols and mythologizing the Independence movement and its leaders.
![[bandera]](images/flags.jpeg)
Perhaps that's why Mexico devotes the entire month of September, when
the Independence struggle began, to honor its national heritage. The
entire nation is swathed in red, white and green; flags and bunting
adorn homes, businesses and fly from cars and buses.
And what an amazing heritage it is: In popular culture, culinary
traditions and history, there's only one Mexico! This month we invite
you to join the festivities.
_ _ Warren Sharpe, editor
Open to any young women, resident of Puerto age 15 to 22, contestants
will be judged on how well they can sing the national anthem. It ain't easy!
5 p.m. Town Hall Esplanade
Wednesday 6 - Friday 8
Fiesta of the Birth of the Holy Virgin
Seems that Santa María Colotepec has a ton of Annual Fairs. Every date
on the liturgical calendar referring to St. Mary is occasion for a
full-blown fiesta. Nothing wrong with that, of course. Activities
usually include the traditional calenda with brass band and huge
papier-mache puppets, the castillo fireworks display, rodeos, horse
races and dances. The program wasn't available at press time.
Wednesday 13
Commemoration of the Heroic Children of Chapultepec
The young military cadets who died in the defense of Mexico City
against invading U.S. forces are remembered on this day, the 159th
anniversary of their death
The early decades of independence were troubled times for the new nation. The war had devastated the economy and political instability made effective government impossible. There were threats from abroad: Spain refused to accept the loss of its colony and blockaded the country. France and the United States pressured for compensation for losses suffered during the civil upheavals.
In what became known as the War of the Cakes, Guerra de los Pasteles, the French seized Veracruz and forced the government to sign a treaty paying indemnification, including 60,000 pesos for a baker who had not been paid for cakes consumed by some soldiers.
Then it was the turn of the aggressively expansionist United States. With an ineffectual central government and an army poorly equipped and with unbelievably inept leadership (Does the name Antonio López de Santa Ana ring a bell?), Mexico was powerless to prevent the annexation of Texas and then the invasion by U.S. forces led by Gen. Winfield Scott.
But the defending Mexican forces did not lack courage. In 1847, in the capital, the cadets at the military school at Chapultepec offered their lives in a last ditch defense against the invaders.
On Sept. 13 these martyrs are remembered as the Heroic Children of Chapultepec. A flag-raising ceremony takes place at 7 a.m. and a civic ceremony eulogizing the national heroes begins at 8 a.m. at the Monument to the Heroic Children located in the Town Hall Plaza
Friday 15
Ceremony of the Cry for Independence
Throughout Mexico, on this night before Independence Day, people gather
at the local government building to watch music and dance performances,
listen to speeches and the traditional ceremony commemorating the Cry
of Dolores, el Grito de Dolores. which launched the struggle for
freedom from Spain.
It was Santa Ana who initiated the reenactment of El Grito as part of Independence celebrations in 1853. But we probably have Don Porfirio Díaz to thank for establishing the event on Sept. 15 -- which happened to be his birthday -- at the glittering ceremony in 1910 marking the centenary of the Independence movement.
![[hidalgo]](images/hidalgo.jpeg)
According to the historical record, Father Hidalgo called for Death
to the Spaniards! Long Live the Virgin of Guadalupe! Today, the local
head of government invokes the following:
Mexicans, long live Mexico; Long live Independence; Long live Miguel Hidalgo y Costilla; Long live José María Morelos y Pavon; Long live all the heroes who gave us our country and our freedom. Long live Mexico! Long live Mexico! Long live Mexico!
After the speeches are over, bells are rung and the fireworks are launched into the skies, it's time to dance into the wee hours. Many restaurants and hotels offer special Mexicana-themed programs.
Saturday 16
Independence Day
Independence Day - - the196th anniversary of the birth of the movement
for independence from Spain - always begins with a civic and military
parade. Here in Puerto it begins at about 8:30 a.m., leaving the Benito
Juárez sports fields near the market and making its way down Av. Oaxaca
to Town Hall. There are always other activities to celebrate the
national holiday: Rodeos, dances, carnival rides etc.
Friday 22
First Day of Autumn
officially begins at 11:03 p.m.
Wednesday 27 - Fri 29
Feast of St. Michael
Annual Fair in Puerto's colonia San Miguel, as well as many other
communities named for the Archangel. You can enjoy the usual complement
of parades, fireworks, dancing and rodeos. Details unavailable at press
time.
Wednesday 27 - Sat 30
![[longboard]](images/longboard_small.jpeg)
Central Surf Longboard Tube Riding Contest
The final big event of the summer surf season, this now-classic contest
pits the skills of the world's best longboarders against the capricious
surf of Zicatela Beach. Longboards and Big Waves can make for some
exciting surf watching.
Wednesday 27
7 - 10:30 a.m. Contest begins
8 - 9:30 p.m. Opening Ceremony followed by fireworks, calenda parade,
music and other entertainment.
Thursday 28
7 - 10:30 a.m. Competition
Friday 29
7 - 10:30 a.m. Competition
5:30 p.m. Surf Half Marathon, Bahia Principal
Saturday 30
7 - 10 a.m. Semifinal & Final
11 a.m. Miss Bikini Contest, Awards and Closing Ceremony