Mexican Independence

Something that has been particularly prevalent in the news over the weekend is that of the 200 year anniversary celebrations of Mexican Independence. Pictures have appeared all over newspapers and the Internet, showing the traditional dress worn as well as the customs practised during this significant landmark.

The history dates back to the beginnings of the movement of September 16th 1810, as well as the hundred year anniversary of the official start of the revolution on November 20th 1910, making this year particularly important as regards the history of the country.

Furthermore, special events and monuments have been in the making for many years. The first, and most important for many, is the Arco del Bicentenario which will be constructed on the Paseo de la Reforma in Mexico City. A contest was held in order to pick the design for this, and the winner was the architect César Pérez Becerril, whose design was officially inaugurated last Wednesday. Ruta 2010 is also significant as regards these celebrations as this initiative aims to mark six routes travelled during both the War of Independence and the Mexican Revolution along many Mexican highways. Special signs will be used to indicate these and historical information will also be given along the way. Finally, in Guanajuato a large area of land has been dedicated to a "Bicentennial Expo Park" which will be open from July to November of this year. The exhibition itself includes photographs and stalls about the history of Mexico and the events of its past as well as giving the opportunity to discuss where the future of Mexico is headed. Exhibits include those about the historical, artistic, musical and ecological elements of Mexican life as well as folkloric and tasting events of traditional ideas.