Latino Community Comes Together to Celebrate Mexican Independence

Mexican Independence Day came on strong this year at Cal State San Bernardino’s (CSUSB) Grito de Independencia, hosted by the Consulado de Carrera de México in San Bernardino (SRE), the Latino Education and Advocacy Day Organization (LEAD), and CSUSB. The celebration took place on the CSUSB campus on Sept.15, and the night began with two dance groups: the first, Danza Azteca Tepeyollotl (Aztec Dancers), and the second, a group of children from the Ballet Folklórico, Nueva Esperanza, performing various traditional dance numbers from different states in Mexico. Musical entertainment was provided by the Mariachi Aztecas de Oro, the Quitapenas group and Veronikka Diaz. The welcoming ceremony was presented by Carolina Zaragoza, current Consul of Mexico at the Consulate of Mexico in San Bernardino. Zaragoza gave a motivational speech for all Latino students to pursue higher education and work towards achieving doctorate degrees. Antonio and Luz María Ayala were awarded the Ohtli award, which is the maximum recognition the nation of Mexico awards to members of the Mexican community and/or the Mexican-American community to those who have exceptionally contributed to the development of the Mexican community at home or abroad. Both Mr. and Mrs. Ayala were honored to receive such an award, as they both gave moving acceptance speeches. Mrs. Ayala proudly sang a part of the National Mexican Anthem, and Mr. Ayala stated that they have dedicated their lives to serving the Latino community because, he told the crowd in Spanish, [translated] “He who is not born to serve should not be born at all.” After the awards ceremony, Ms. Zaragoza stood at the balcony overlooking the Commons area at CSUSB and performed the traditional Grito de Independencia, a tradition where the current President of Mexico stands at the balcony of El Zocalo and yells “¡Viva México!” while waving the Mexican flag. The audience joined with pride and joy and continued to wait for the actual Grito de Independencia, which was aired live from Mexico on an inflatable screen. During the waiting period, the entertainment continued with the Mariachi Trompetas de México, Victor Guerrero, and Melissa. At 9 that evening the Grito de Independencia was aired and once again the audience joined the current President of Mexico, Enrique Peña Nieto, in yelling “¡Viva México!” The event closed with live music and dancing as the attendees exited the campus after a long day of celebration.