Thousands Mark Mexican Bicentennial At Rosarito Beach City Hall Celebration

ROSARITO BEACH, BAJA CALIFORNIA, MEXICO

Thousands of people filled City Hall and municipal plazas Wednesday night as Rosarito joined 
the nation in celebrating the 200th anniversary of Mexico’s independence.

Hundreds of government officials, students and other residents joined in a parade from Boulevard Benito Juarez to City Hall to start the celebration.

"This date is of great significance for the history of our country,” said Mayor Hugo Torres. “Exactly two centuries ago, a group of patriotic men and women began a struggle that laid the groundwork for what we now know as a country.

“They were brave and were motivated by the ideal that we all have the right to be free and happy within our national territory. We reiterate the importance of fighting for the principles of social justice and freedom.” 

Also in the parade were city police and firefighters, troops from various military branches and civic groups.

Marchers were met by the mayor; the first lady, Rosa María Ramírez Torres; Brig. Gen. D. E. M. Avalos Dario Pedraza, commander of the Second Brigade of Special Forces; city council members and town clerk, Javier Hernandez Tovalín.

At 11 p.m. Mayor Torres delivered the traditional grito, battle cry for freedom, from the balcony of City Hall.

Outside City Hall thousands of people joined in the celebration with included Mexican music, food and dancing plus a fireworks display.