Independence day 15-16th September

Friday celebrations

Great celebrations here all weekend in the City, starting with the 'grito' Friday night of 'Viva Mexico!' in the main Zocolo. President Fox moved his grito away from the city amongst fears of a possile clash with supporters of Obrador. However, there were still thousands of people in the streets and a real family atmosphere with everyone decked out with mexican flags, sombreros, big moustaches and painted faces. After the cry of Viva Mexico, there was a spectacular firework display next to the catherdral (a bit like the fireworks at Ely Catherdral on bonfire night!). Although many people gave warnings not to go into the main square for fear of pickpockets, potential violence, crowded metros etc etc...the worst thing that happened was a light covering of shaving foam being sprayed by everyone in the streets!!
Saturday saw many people in the city there to watch the military parade of over 21000 people. Unfortunately, the time had been brought forward because of a political protest being held in support of Obrador. We turned up for a 3 pm start but it was all over by midday...oops!! However, it did mean being caught up with hundreds of thousands of people all heading to the Zocolo for the demonstration. An interesting sight, especially when the heavens opened and everyone dived in doorways for shelter. Some of these pictures are mine, some are from the newspaper to give you an idea of what the parade would have looked like!!

The military parade

Obrador supporters