16/09/2026
A little piece of Mexico tonight 🇲🇽
Every September 15, just before midnight, Mexico celebrates one of its most emotional traditions — El Grito de Independencia. From the balcony of the National Palace, the President rings the historic bell, remembers the heroes of Independence and leads the enormous crowd in the Zócalo in the traditional cry: “¡Viva México!”
Tonight it was Claudia Sheinbaum’s second Grito as President — and there is something quite symbolic about watching this ceremony led by the first woman in Mexico’s history to hold the presidency.
Sheinbaum has brought a very visible emphasis on women into the symbolism of her presidency and of the Grito itself: female military cadets have formed the ceremonial es**rt, and the traditional “Vivas” now give much greater prominence to the women — famous and anonymous — who helped build Mexico.
And there was another phrase that felt particularly meaningful this year: “¡Viva México libre, independiente y soberano!” — “Long live a free, independent and sovereign Mexico!” In the current context of tensions with the United States, the emphasis on sovereignty was difficult to miss.
Sheinbaum remains a complex and sometimes controversial political figure, governing a country facing very real challenges. But tonight was also a reminder that El Grito is much bigger than any president or any government.
It is one of those extraordinary moments when history, tradition and national pride come together — and an entire square answers with one voice:
¡Viva México! 🇲🇽🇲🇽🇲🇽