Hundreds of people celebrated Mexico’s independence from Spain and gathered at Sonoma Plaza, where they chanted “Viva Mexico!” and enjoyed live music and dance performances.
The consul of the Mexican Embassy in San Francisco, Ana Luisa Vallejo, led the traditional “El Grito,” the communal cry of remembrance for the revolution that has been a ritual in Sonoma for over a decade.
“El Grito” is a reenactment of the call to arms made by priest Miguel Hidalgo y Costilla. He rang the church bell in the town of Dolores early in the morning of September 16, 1810, to call on his parishioners to take up arms against the Spanish government.
“It’s a great privilege and honor to represent Mexico abroad,” Vallejo, who was appointed consul in July, told La Prensa Sonoma. “And to do it with the people who work so hard to maintain traditions and to have a community ceremony that showcases Mexican culture.”
There was a festive atmosphere at Sunday’s event, which also marked the start of Hispanic Heritage Month celebrations.
More than 200 people sat on benches and around the amphitheater in the plaza and watched the dances of the Quetzalén folk ballet.
It was the fourth year that Vida Cultural Arts organized the celebration. The local nonprofit, led by Angie Sánchez, aims to strengthen Latino culture through community events.
“And this is the first year that the consul is participating since we started organizing it,” said Sánchez. “It is a day where we are united as a family and celebrate our culture and traditions.”
The Mexican consulate had suspended its participation in the ceremony in 2020 due to COVID-19.
The celebrations included a second stage in front of the town hall, where the music groups Alex Borges and his group Lealtad and Banda La Solteca performed.
Attendees sampled a variety of foods, from tamales and churros to corn dogs and mini pancakes.
The vendors also offered handmade goods, including indigenous clothing and Dia de los Muertos crafts.
You can contact the editor of La Prensa Sonoma Raquel Issenberg at the following address: [email protected]
