Viva Mexico!!

As the most recent contributor to this blog, I must assure our readers that I am not crashing the Streets of Laredo but I do, in fact, know Alex and JC. Not only that, but I, like them, have embarked on this adventure to figure out exactly what this place is all about. Last night was particularly insightful. After attending Laredo’s second annual Charreada y Jaripeo Festival (akin to a rodeo), we ventured to Plaza San Agustin where the locals gathered to celebrate Mexican Independence Day. Numerous Americans hold the mistaken belief that “the” Mexican holiday is Cinco de Mayo when in fact September 16 is the mother of all celebrations. So, we headed downtown and, in defiance of all social Laredoean conventions, we made our way into the Mexican Consulate’s exclusive and elegant party sporting our rodeo attire. Our intent was not to insult or disregard the protocol of the festivities, but rather to introduce ourselves in our usual garb. We wanted to show the consul who we really were—no games, no masks, just us. After a few stare-downs, uncomfortable silences, and a few churros, we decided to leave for some less turbulent waters: the hotel bar. Several margaritas later, we went outside to hear the consul himself deliver the traditional “Grito” from the balcony, whereby he yells the phrase “Viva Mexico” three times while waving the Mexican flag in the air.
It dawned on me then and there that after having lived in Mexico for thirteen years and being a Mexican for much longer than that, I never celebrated the “Grito” live. So, here I was, discovering not only the inner workings of Laredoan high society from its core, but also learning that after all these years, seeing so many of my people united on this side of the border, proclaiming the hope of Mexico ever lasting while saluting the flag, could bring chills to my body, goose bumps to my skin, and a new-found pride of my presence in this place.