President Pena Nieto Leads Celebration of 206 Years of Mexican Independence Agencia EFE
go to original September 16, 2016

It's a tradition that even a year of scandals, violence and Donald Trump couldn't mar. On Thursday night, Mexican President Enrique Pena Nieto led thousands in a historic call to arms, known as "El Grito" to celebrate the nation's Independence Day. (CCTV America)

President Enrique Peña Nieto led the celebration of the 206th anniversary of Mexico's independence from Spain, a ceremony that on this occasion was preceded by a large anti-government protest in Mexico City.

Peña Nieto, accompanied by first lady Angelica Rivera, appeared on the balcony of the presidential palace at around 11:00 p.m. Thursday and for the fourth time since taking office in late 2012 gave the traditional "Grito de Dolores" (Cry of Dolores).

Tens of thousands gathered in Mexico City's massive Zocalo main square answered Peña Nieto's "vivas" for the nation's independence heroes.

The ceremony commemorates Father Miguel Hidalgo's rallying call for rebellion against the Spanish colonial government early on the morning of Sept. 16, 1810, in the central village of Dolores (now a city called Dolores Hidalgo), the birthplace of the independence movement.

Mexico finally won its independence from Spain in 1821.

The independence ceremony ended with a traditional fireworks display, although the festivities will continue on Friday with a military parade in the Zocalo.

Read the rest at Fox News Latino

Related: Mexican Independence Day: Celebrating the Cry of Dolores (Inquisitr)

Related: Military Parade in Mexico Celebrates Independence (Prensa Latina)

Related: Mexico Democracy: Thousands March Demanding Peña Nieto Resign (Mexico Voices)

Related: Mexican Prez Cuts Independence Day Funding, Gives Himself a Raise (The Daily Caller)

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