Viva Mexico ! Today the 15th of September is Independence Day in Mexico. Mexico once used to be owned by Spain and it achieved independence on 15 September way back when... So tonight in Barcelona was a host of celebratory activities arranged by the Mexican Embassy. I was lucky enough to be invited by some of my new Mexican friends - Zaida and Guille. The festivities here in Barcelona were vibrant so I can just imagine how much bigger the celebrations in Mexico were - with every town and city countrywide getting all fired up to celebrate!
I met the group of Mexicans at the Port - where a Mexican Naval ship - the ARM Cuauhtemoc - was docked. The evening began with singing and some honorable dignitaries making speeches on the boat. The boat's crew - all dressed in their naval whites complete with hats and skips - were on board and waving at the crowds of Mexicans who were singing on the dock below. A Mariachi band played typical Mexican music. The ship had lights strung up from the masts, so it was intimate and one could feel the Latino energy present there.
After all the pomp and music, the crew disembarked and mingled with the spectators and offered to have their photos taken with anybody. I was impressed at how human and approachable the crew were. I honestly felt the Mexican emotions!!
Then the crowds moved to Plaza La Merce - where the Mexican bands were on stage and entertained thousand of spectators. Mexican food and drinks were on sale. Some of the people in the group I was with had brought bottles of Tequila and other drinks. We all started getting stuck into the booze. Typical Mexican celebration with drinks flowing!! We sang and danced to all sorts of songs. After the band stopped we headed to a night club which was full of 20 something year olds. We had a free shot of Tequila before heading off to a restaurant for much needed food. My head was already dizzy!! We found a Middle Eastern place and had Schwarmas and Falafels whilst listening to an Australian busker outside in the street, singing the songs of Crowded House and Chris Isaak.
After our stomachs were filled we made our way to back to the nightclub - but nobody went inside this time. We decided we were not 20 something any more... The free shot of Tequila was not reason enough to go in. So we headed to Plaza Real and found another bar to sit in and enjoy some Mexican music.
A fantastic time. Viva Mexico. I never expected to have so much fun. Gracias los Mexicanos, por toda!
I met the group of Mexicans at the Port - where a Mexican Naval ship - the ARM Cuauhtemoc - was docked. The evening began with singing and some honorable dignitaries making speeches on the boat. The boat's crew - all dressed in their naval whites complete with hats and skips - were on board and waving at the crowds of Mexicans who were singing on the dock below. A Mariachi band played typical Mexican music. The ship had lights strung up from the masts, so it was intimate and one could feel the Latino energy present there.
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| ARM Cuauhtemoc at the dock |
After all the pomp and music, the crew disembarked and mingled with the spectators and offered to have their photos taken with anybody. I was impressed at how human and approachable the crew were. I honestly felt the Mexican emotions!!
 |
| She is lit up in the dark |
Then the crowds moved to Plaza La Merce - where the Mexican bands were on stage and entertained thousand of spectators. Mexican food and drinks were on sale. Some of the people in the group I was with had brought bottles of Tequila and other drinks. We all started getting stuck into the booze. Typical Mexican celebration with drinks flowing!! We sang and danced to all sorts of songs. After the band stopped we headed to a night club which was full of 20 something year olds. We had a free shot of Tequila before heading off to a restaurant for much needed food. My head was already dizzy!! We found a Middle Eastern place and had Schwarmas and Falafels whilst listening to an Australian busker outside in the street, singing the songs of Crowded House and Chris Isaak.
 |
| Sailors stand and watch the spectators below |
After our stomachs were filled we made our way to back to the nightclub - but nobody went inside this time. We decided we were not 20 something any more... The free shot of Tequila was not reason enough to go in. So we headed to Plaza Real and found another bar to sit in and enjoy some Mexican music.
A fantastic time. Viva Mexico. I never expected to have so much fun. Gracias los Mexicanos, por toda!
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