Mexico marked its 215th Independence Day with a milestone Monday night as President Claudia Sheinbaum became the first woman to lead the nation’s most important civic ceremony. Before a crowd packed into Mexico City’s Zócalo, Sheinbaum delivered the traditional “Cry of Independence” from the National Palace balcony, honoring the 1810 uprising that began Mexico’s fight for freedom.
Breaking a Century-Old Tradition
Since the 19th century, Mexico’s Independence Day gala had been led only by men.
“The fact that it’s a woman who gives the cry does represent a substantial change,” said Alfredo Ávila, a historian at the National Autonomous University of Mexico, noting the celebration’s long patriarchal history.
Sheinbaum, a former Mexico City mayor and scientist, took office as Mexico’s first female president on Oct. 1, 2024.
A Night of Cheers and Fireworks
Shouts of “Long live freedom, equality, and justice!” echoed across the square as Sheinbaum rang the historic bell, followed by the cathedral’s chimes and a national anthem singalong. Across the country, families honored the occasion with fireworks, music, and traditional foods such as pozole and chiles en nogada.
Security Concerns Temper Festivities
While Mexico City celebrated in full, violence forced several municipalities in Michoacán and Sinaloa to scale back events. In Sinaloa, where cartel factions have clashed for over a year, authorities limited activities to a single civic ceremony involving government and military officials.
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