ENMU Celebrates Mexico's Independence Day

Date: 9/6/2002
Contact: Wendel Sloan at 505.562.2253
Reporter: Colleen Wright

Portales – Eastern New Mexico University's Office of Hispanic Affairs is planning a special celebration for Mexican Independence Day on Sept.16. The celebration will be held from 5-7 p.m. on the Dallan Sanders Memorial Plaza behind the Campus Union Building.

This year's festivities will feature a Mariachi band, S.O.Y. (Save Our Youth) from Roswell, guest speakers, a piñata filled with goodies, and a buffet. Everything is free except for the optional buffet. The public is invited.

For more information, contact ENMU's Hispanic Affairs at 505.562.2451.

According to Nancy Varelas, student director of Hispanic Affairs, Mexico's independence was not accomplished on that day in history. It is celebrated on Sept. 16 because that is when Father Miguel Hidalgo first gave the cry for independence. Traditionally every Sept. 15 at 11:59 p.m. Mexicans get together around every plaza or government building to give the cry of Hidalgo, "Viva Mexico!"

The fight to gain independence from Spain lasted for 10 years. In Mexico this festival is very important and everything is decorated in red, green and white, the colors of the Mexican flag. The celebration for independence is also traditionally followed by a parade with all of the schools marching side by side with policemen, military and anyone else who wants to join in on the festivities.

Last year, ENMU cancelled the festivities to honor the victims of Sept. 11.