This fall, Mexico will celebrate two pivotal events in its history. The first is the bicentennial of Mexican independence, when the founding father of Mexico, Miguel de Hidalgo, declared independence from Spain in 1810, much as our founding fathers declared independence from England in 1776.
The second is the centennial of the start of the Mexican revolution, celebrated on November 20 each year since 1910. While Cinco de Mayo is a popular festival in the United States, it marks a separate event: Mexico’s success at the Battle of Puebla in 1862, when it pushed back a French army invading to create a French-dominated empire.
The Mexican Consulate, San Jose State, Santa Clara University, National Hispanic University, History San Jose, and the Mexican Heritage Cultural Center have collaborated to produce a series of events featuring music, art, film, theater, historical analysis and festivities commemorating our neighbor’s accomplishments as a vibrant people and an important democracy and modern nation.
“Shared Heritage: Mexico/California 200 Years” will reflect the long, shared history and heritage of Mexico and California, from the time when California was a part of the Mexican Republic to today as Mexican-Americans make important contributions to California’s leadership, economy, arts, academics and sense of community.
The celebration begins with a San Jose City Hall flag raising ceremony at 12:15 p.m. Tuesday, September 14, and a re-enactment of Father Hidalgo’s Cry for Independence (“El Grito”) at 5:30 p.m. Wednesday, September 15 in the PAL Stadium. SJSU events include symposiums, a mariachi festival concert and cultural exhibitions at the Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. Library.
View a complete calendar.