Tens of thousands gathered in Mexico City as President Claudia Sheinbaum led the nation’s Independence Day celebrations, marking a historic milestone as the first woman to preside over the event in 215 years. From the balcony of the National Palace, Sheinbaum performed the traditional “grito” ceremony on Monday evening, ringing the bell that symbolises the call to arms during Mexico’s fight for independence from Spain between 1810 and 1821. While Independence Day is officially observed on 16 September, the “grito” has been held the evening before for over a century.
During Tuesday’s military parade, President Sheinbaum delivered a firm message emphasising Mexico’s sovereignty. Speaking to her cabinet and thousands of service personnel, she declared that “no foreign power makes decisions for us” and underscored that “no interference is possible in our homeland.” While she did not single out any particular country, her remarks come amid ongoing diplomatic discussions with the United States regarding border security and efforts to combat organised crime.
Her administration has pursued a robust approach against drug cartels, including extraditing several high profile cartel figures to US authorities, while maintaining that these actions are driven by Mexico’s national interests rather than external pressures. President Sheinbaum, who took office in October, has highlighted the country’s efforts to curb illegal drug trafficking, including a reported reduction in fentanyl seizures along the Mexico US border.
The 2025 Independence Day celebrations not only honoured Mexico’s historic struggle for independence but also marked a new chapter in the nation’s leadership, reflecting both continuity in tradition and a historic achievement in representation.
