In 2010, Mexico will commemorate the bicentennial of its Independence movement from the Spanish Crown, and the centennial of its Revolution with an extensive program of events. We are only 3 days away from this “expected” celebration.
Every year, the entire nation commemorates late on September 15th (and early on the 16th) a renewal of the famous governmental call for a revolution, which is likely to take place in city halls all over the country. From Mexico City to any other city in the country. Mexican living abroad as well celebrate this act, whether it can be on national embassies, or at renowned Mexican restaurants-bars.
Two important figures on Mexico's Independence day:
Priest Miguel Hidalgo and the Virgin of Guadalupe.
Image taken from: veracruz.com
But this year it is supposed to be special, it is supposed to be something that “will be better than anything we have seen before”.
Some days ago, President Felipe Calderon gave a speech in which he called all Mexicans to unite during the celebrations regardless of their different views in terms of religion, politics and attitudes on the subject. But it is not only sweetness and party for some; this is a complex subject that has lead to different opinions and reactions.
I would like to quote an article that appeared today on the New York Times website,(written by Randal C. Archibold). It might illustrate a better what I am trying to explain:
“There are the bicentennial buses. Bicentennial roads. A bicentennial marathon. A bicentennial song. The bicentennial digital library. A bicentennial video game. Even a bicentennial bird, the mountain trogan, and plant, the owl agave. And of course the bicentennial fireworks extravaganza, planned to be the largest the country has ever seen.
What appears to be missing is bicentennial enthusiasm.”
Torre del Bicentenario (Bicentennial Tower) project. Currently delayed.
Image taken from: fayerwayer.com
It is well known that government is spending so much money on this celebration, and there are so many issues that need to be taken care of, way more important than spending 580 millones de pesos (aprox. 50 million dollars) in only one celebration. Only in one night.
Protests have been made. People are responding. We have drug dealing problems, organized crime issues, migration difficulties and a lack of employment / schools. That money could be better spent in so many other matters...
I feel the country is in a “frustration state”. Yes, it is fun to celebrate. And people will get together and feel this “national” satisfaction. But it will go away after this night, and everything will come back to normality again.
I am not saying “no, let’s not celebrate” as it is an important part of our history as Mexicans, when the country became independent. But sometimes, government spends ridiculous amounts of funds on certain activities.
Why not celebrating by giving some of this money to other causes such as education, security and development?
I am sure there would be enough money for fireworks as well.
(Andrea Arzaba, September 2010)
You are right, Andrea. Why not spend 25 million dollars on festivities and the other half on progress and development? Festivities like this are important, but not everyone will feel this national satisfaction you are talking about. If I was poor, if my brother had been killed in one of Mexico’s drugwars, I would not celebrate the nation. I would think about doing that, though, when the government would spend some of that money on me.
Some say government only wants to give people “bread and circus” if you know that saying…
I am sorry to disagree with your posting, but a bicentennial celebration is not only necessary but required. Mexico may not be in the best of circumstances (violence, inequality, etc), but this is the best moment to reflect on our past, present and future.
Over the past couple of months I have been sad to learn about all the “Bicentennial Complainers”, people that seem to be unmoved by the significant historical moment, and that are happy to add to our cultural baggage of problems.
Don’t get me wrong, I have read your blogs in the past, and I also believe that you are well meant trying to organize an indigenous organization (maybe in the future you will) but I am not in favor of bashing the government for trying to provide a sense of historical context and belonging.
Regardless of our political affiliation and other socio-economic layers that unite/separate us, at the end of the day we are Mexicans, and I am sure glad that we have a bicentennial celebration to learn and to reflect about our achievements and failures.
“I am not saying “no, let’s not celebrate” as it is an important part of our history as Mexicans”.
This is what Andrea said, so she is not against this bicentennial celebration. Neither am I. You say that the “bicentennial celebration is to learn and to reflect about our achievements and failures”, but we just think that the Mexican government could have spend less on the festivities and more on its failures.
Dear Mexican abroad:
I am sorry if you missunderstood the message I wanted to give with this article, as I am not “bashing the government for trying to provide a sense of historical context and belonging.”
I am Mexican as well, and I am really happy to be celebrating the bicentennial but, as Hanna mentioned before , in my opinion we could have used some of that money in order to help people suffering from the floods in Veracruz and Tabasco, security in both of the borders…there are a lot of issues going on in the country right now.