Mexican President Claudia Sheinbaum became the first female leader to preside over the country’s independence celebrations in 215 years, with a message that she won’t accept foreign intervention, a significant statement as she negotiates pressure from the United States.
Sheinbaum led a traditional ceremony from the balcony of the National Palace in Mexico City known as the “grito,” or “shout” in English, Monday night. It’s an annual tradition when on Sept. 15, the president rings a bell marking the call to arms during the 1810-1821 fight to win independence from Spain.
Independence Day is formally celebrated Sept. 16, but the “grito” ceremony has been performed the night before for over a century.
A traditional military parade followed Tuesday, and Sheinbaum reiterated that “No foreign