Mexico is a proud country. Even here in Playa del Carmen, a diverse, young city with a melange of residents, from all walks of life and from all over Mexico, on this day they are all one. At 11:00 pm a cacophony of sound and noise is magically orchestrated into one single voice, a voice shouting "Viva Mexico"! And so it was last night as our family stood amongst the crowds in the Municipal Plaza, done up smartly in red, white and green lights, the perfect dramatic backdrop for el Presidente to make his speech and stir the spectators.Thousands and thousands of people turned out for the annual address from the President of Solidaridad, Roman Quian Alcocer and "El Grito", the traditional war cry of independence signifying Mexico's freedom from Spanish Colonial authorities. Everywhere we looked there were balloons, flags and colorful costumes. Truly this is the fiesta of all fiestas and an exciting experience to take part in.

Mexican Independence Day Playa del Carmen
Viva Mexico! Viva Mexico! Viva Mexico!

Mexican Independence Day in Playa del Carmen
(Poor Aunt Jill) Lifting the kids to get a better view. We got more than a few second looks and a few "thumbs up" as my kids know both the state and national anthem  by heart!

Mexican Independence Day Playa del Carmen
How much do you love the sombero de sandia??

Mexican Independence Day Playa del Carmen 

Of course, what would any Independence Day be without fireworks?!

Mexican Independence Day in Playa del Carmen

Mexican Independence Day Playa del Carmen 

Mexican Independence Day Playa del carmen
A traditional band was playing but at this late hour we didn't have the energy to push through the throng for a better view.

Mexican Independence Day Playa del Carmen
Off to the vendors...personally, my favorite part of any community festival.

Mexican Independence Day Playa del Carmen
Fried yum yums of all sorts.

Mexican Independence Day Playa del Carmen
Our gardener, Edgar, and his pals living it up. They will sleep well tomorrow and my new lawn will go un-watered.

Mexican Independence Day Playa del Carmen
The churro extruder and hot oil set up. Yummm.

Mexican Independence Day Playa del Carmen
The best seats in the house.

Mexican Independence Day Playa del Carmen
Fanciful blown glass animals.

Mexican Independence Day Playa del Carmen
El artist.

Mexican Independence Day Playa del Carmen
Taco meat of all types.

Mexican Independence Day Playa del Carmen

Mexican Independence Day Playa del Carmen

Mexican Independence Day Playa del Carmen
Happy but tired, Cole with agua de sandia and churros.

Mexican Independence Day Playa del Carmen

After a last minute, late night stop at Mayte's place, it was off to bed for all of us after a wonderful family night on the town. I can only imagine what next year will bring as we celebrate Mexico's bicentennial!!

I've taken a few videos which I will post as soon as I can get them up on YouTube, but let's not hold our breath on this one, ok?