Proclaiming the independence of Mexico..."el Grito".     Photo: File - VPC-Courtesy: CrucesLive.com

Old Mesilla, the historic town just southwest of Las Cruces, New Mexico is all about culture and pagentry. Mesilla proudly presents the celebration and enactment of the proclamation for the Republic of Mexico, now independent.

The tradition has carried on with the enactment of the victory celbration and also, one of the famous charateristics celebrated is "el Grito".

What is "el Grito"? Well, it is something that happens on every "Diez y Seis de Septiembre"... 16th of September throughout Mexico and many cities and towns in the US... Like in Old Mesilla, New Mexico.

“El Grito de Dolores” by Miguel Hidalgo y Costilla in 1810 started it all; the first revolution against Spain’s occupation in Mexico. "El Grito" is the cry for independence. For almost 200 years "El Grito" has been celebrated on the 16th of September throughout the hispanic community in North America.

Marching band plays on the Plaza in Old Mesilla.     Photo: File - VPC-Courtesy: CrucesLive.com

The Town of Mesilla, New Mexico celebrates the Mexican Independence Day because of the town's history. The early settlers of Mesilla were first under the Mexican flag. When the area became part of the United States, many of these settlers returned to Mexico but many of their family members stayed. Thus, the close ties between the two communities is intertwined between the two countries.

Mesilla celbrates el "Diez y Seis de Septiembre" every year and includes marching bands, school cheerleaders, a parade and a reenctment of "El Grito".

Prepared by UVB staff.

(Photos:File - VPC-Courtesy: CrucesLive.com - Valley Publishing Company)

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