Mexico celebrates its Independence Day on September 16, with commemorations that began the night before, including the “Cry of Independence” ceremony, fireworks outside the national palace, a parade of special cars through Mexico city, and a military parade through Zocalo square.  

Uruguay’s former President Jose Mujica and Bolivia’s former President Evo Morales joined Mexico’s President Andres Manuel Lopez Obrador and his wife Beatriz Gutierrez Muller at the national palace.  

The day honors Mexico’s freedom from Spain after an 1810 uprising that ignited an 11-year war. The Día de la Independencia is one of the country’s most important holidays.

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