Mexico’s First Female President Leads Historic “El Grito” Amid Mixed Celebrations

Lead: In Mexico City’s Zócalo on September 15, President Claudia Sheinbaum became the first woman to reenact the Independence “Grito de Dolores,” while cartel violence and a gas explosion memorial prompted cancellations in other states.

Nut Graf: Sheinbaum’s historic bell-ringing ceremony underscored gender progress at the heart of the nation’s bicentennial celebrations. Yet safety concerns in Sinaloa and Michoacán and a solemn tribute in Iztapalapa highlighted enduring security and social challenges.

Historic Ceremony in Mexico City

President Sheinbaum ascended the National Palace balcony at 11:00 PM, rang Hidalgo’s bell and called out the names of independence heroes, closing with three resounding “¡Viva México!” cheers. Historians lauded the moment as a breakthrough for women’s leadership in Mexican public life.

Cancellations over Cartel Violence

• Governor Rubén Rocha canceled all Independence festivities in Culiacán for the second straight year, citing rampant cartel clashes.
• Three Michoacán municipalities also called off “Grito” events to safeguard residents amid a spike in organized crime.

Iztapalapa’s Memorial Tribute

Local authorities replaced the traditional celebration in eastern Mexico City with a candlelight vigil and flower offerings at the site of last week’s deadly gas explosion, honoring victims still hospitalized.

Nationwide Reflections

• Governors and mayors across Mexico delivered parallel “Grito” ceremonies, reinforcing regional pride.
• Fireworks displays and mariachi performances continued in safer locales, blending homage to 1810’s call to arms with modern security realities.

Despite these challenges, the nation’s resolve shone through as communities balanced festive patriotism with respect for recent tragedies and ongoing public-safety concerns.