Mexico’s got some world-class problems on its plate. But sometimes troubled times are the best times to throw a world-class party. And so it was in Mexico this past week as the people marked 200 years of independence from Spain with a big bicentennial bash that honored the past and, we hope, emboldened many Mexicans to face the future with the power of pride.
The Coloso, that huge man standing by the flagpole, was not our favorite part of the party but he does represent the strength of the nation.
A controversial party
The Mexican government spared no expense in throwing a huge party to celebrate Mexican Independence Day and 200 years of independence from Spain, sparking some criticism that the money could have been used for more practical improvements like schools and roads. The fiesta reportedly came with a $40 million price tag to pay for things like a massive fireworks display, said to be the largest in the country’s history.
Inside Mexico’s big bicentennial bash
We were part of the goings-on in Mexico City and here we present some of the best moments from inside the parade, the crowd, President Felipe Calderón’s ode to the Grito de Dolores (watch our video) and more all the way to the mind-blowing spectacle of the finale fireworks.
Check out our video, below, compiled while we walked through the performers and the crowds across Mexico City and then from the press box in the Zócalo.
Eerie Day of the Dead figures in the parade down Avenida de la Reforma in Mexico City marking the 200th anniversary of Mexico’s independence from Spain.
Women representing the colorful arts-and-crafts culture in Mexico march in the parade down Avenida de la Reforma in Mexico City marking the 200th anniversary of Mexico’s independence from Spain.
Dancers in Aztec costumes march in the parade down Avenida de la Reforma in Mexico City marking the 200th anniversary of Mexico’s independence from Spain.
Larger-than-life Zapatistas march in the parade down Avenida de la Reforma in Mexico City marking the 200th anniversary of Mexico’s independence from Spain.
The Presidential Palace on the Zócalo was all dressed up for the bicentennial party.
The Zócalo, Mexico City’s main plaza, was decorated from tip to toe.
A float version of the sacred serpent Kulkukan entering the Zócalo.
The parade even took to the sky with this floating Angel of Independence.
This gold and silver inflated dragon reminded us of the floats above the streets of Manhattan during the Thanksgiving Day Parade, only better.
Mexican President Felipe Calderón waving the flag after a rousing ode to Hidalgo’s 200-year-old grito.
VIPs packed the balconies of the Presidential Palace including (from mid left) crooner Vicente Fernandez (white hair), the new Miss Universe, Mexican model Ximena Navarrete (in the sash) and, in the blue mask, Lucha Libre icon the Blue Demon Jr.
As a warm up to the fireworks, the Presidential Palace roof was turned into a stage for choreographed fire balls.
A massive fireworks display over the Zócalo in Mexico City marked the end of a night spent celebrating the 200th anniversary of Mexico’s independence from Spain.
One pooped parader.
Here’s more about travel in Mexico
Love the pictures, wish we could have been there! Living it through your photos :-) The atmosphere must have been amazing.
These are stunning photos! You’ve really captured ‘just’ how lively this annual event is – should be great again tomorrow :)
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wow – beautiful photos!! so very cool!
Great pictures, looks like one crazy party!