Today is Mexican Independence Day. September 16th for Mexicans is like July 4th for people who live in the U.S.A. It is a national holiday, and they have fun, traditional events. On the night before their Independence Day, there is a big celebration downtown. There are food vendors, patriotic souvenir kiosks, mini-rides, a big stage with a band, and.... fireworks, of course! After the fireworks, there is something called the "grito" where everyone yells, "Viva Mexico!" We went downtown last night, and it was a lot of fun to celebrate with everyone.
This morning, there was a parade in the center of town. Lots of the schools are a part of the parade, and we saw many students marching. It made me really miss my old students! Several of the kids we work with through our church were there though, and it was fun to see their faces light up when called their names and waved to them. :)
Fireworks celebration the night of the "Grito"
Celebrating with friends
Elementary school children in the parade
