In celebration of the "true" Mexican Independence Day, an honor guard from Mexico presented the Mexican flag to more than 100 people Friday in an event that included food, music and history.
Many American's incorrectly perceive Cinco de Mayo, May 5, to be Mexico's Independence Day, but the country's actual independence from Spain began on Sept. 16, 1810, when Padre Miguel Hidalgo began the movement by ringing his church bells. Hidalgo was a staunch supporter of Mexican independence and his symbolic ringing of the church bells helped to unite his people to the cause of independence.
Mexico gained its independence from Spain in 1821.
The group, dressed in black military uniforms, began its campus procession in front of Popejoy Hall. The group then marched to Scholes Hall where a crowd of onlookers was treated to a military performance and the playing of the Mexican National Anthem.
"Our performance helps individuals to remember the traditions of Mexico and to let people know what Mexico is about," said Robert Perez, Jr., coordinator for the group. "The celebration of independence makes us feel very proud."
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The groups, Banda De Guerra y Escolta, Band of War and Color Guard, from the Universidad Aut¢noma De Cd. Ju†rez also preformed the Grito De Independencia, Shout for Independence. Afterward, several members of the group shouted "Viva MÇxico."
The Hispanic Engineering and Science Organization, in coordination with El Centro de la Raza, sponsored the program.
"It is important to honor this holiday due to the fact that two-thirds of all Hispanics in the United States are of Mexican decent," said Luis Gutierrez, president of the Hispanic Engineering and Science Organization. "It is also important to bring this to the University due to the diversity of the campus."
Another important reason in bringing the group to campus is to clear some confusion surrounding Cinco de Mayo.
May 5 does have significance in Mexican History as, on a day in 1862, a small group of Mexican soldiers beat the French army, then most powerful army in the world, at the Battle of Puebla.
During the celebration, the group also preformed a memorial to the victims of Sept. 11. The group played Toque De Silencio (Silent Tune), followed by a moment of silence.
One year ago, to honor the victims of the Sept. 11, terrorist attacks, Mexico's President VicÇnte Fox cancelled all Mexican Independence Day celebrations. It was the first time the celebration had been canceled in 190 years.
