LFCISD Hosts 206th Anniversary of Ceremonia Civica del Grito

Story and photos by Victor Moreno

Not to be confused with Cinco De Mayo, which was actually Mexico’s victory over the French army in the Battle of Puebla about fifty plus years after Mexico’s independence. Mexico’s Independence Day is September 16th, “Dieciséis de Septiembre” and is commemorated by “The Cry of Independence” or “El Grito de Independencia”.

At dawn on the 16th of September of 1810, the priest Miguel Hidalgo y Costilla, through the tolling of a bell and carrying a campaign banner with the image of the Virgen de Guadalupe, patroness of Mexico since 1531, convened the parishioners in the atrium of his parish and initiated the War of Independence. So was conceived the emancipation and birth of Mexico.

On the night of the 15th of September, Mexicans around the world gather to honor the memory of Mexico’s heroes, venerate their patriotic symbols, and endorse their national identity, through the commemoration of “The Cry of Independence”.

LFCISD, Los Fresnos Chamber of Commerce, Mexican Consulate at Brownsville, David Armendariz State Farm, Mr. Ramon Ortiz, Mr. Joe Aguilar, and Mr. Rudy Rodriguez sponsored the 206th Anniversary “Ceremonia Civica Del Grito” on the evening of September 13, 2016 at the Los Fresnos High School auditorium.

Following a welcome address from Mr. Ramon Ortiz was a energetic and vibrantly colorful performance by the LFCISD Folklorico Dance Team and Conjunto Halcon. At approximately 8 p.m., honored guest Consul Sergio Ernesto Jacobo Patiño, took to the stage and performed the “Grito de Independencia” ceremony before a large audience who eagerly chanted “Viva!” in unison after each ceremonial declaration. The night was filled with music, color, smiling faces and pride. The LFCISD Mariachi Nuevo Halcon closed the evening with musical entertainment and a public dance.

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