Mexican consul hosting independence day celebrations in Harlingen

HARLINGEN — “Viva Harlingen, viva Mexico y vivan Los Estados Unidos,” yelled Mexican Consul Victor Manuel Treviño Escudero, a sample grito of what is to come Sunday.

Mayor Chris Boswell and the Mexican consul met Monday at Harlingen City Hall to announce their joint effort to host the Mexican independence celebration on Sunday, “16 de Septiembre.”

The second annual celebration in Harlingen will be held at the Harlingen Performing Arts Theatre, 1209 Fair Park Blvd., at 3 p.m. featuring “El Grito,” which will be given by Escudero, and a special mariachi performance by Mexican singer and actress Sheila.

“Mexico is, of course, our neighbor and our ally in the war on terror and the war against drugs,” Boswell said. “We share a culture. It is only right that we tell them happy birthday on a day of independence in their lives and history.”

Escudero said he is happy that the celebration will be held in Harlingen, even though the Mexican consulate is located in Brownsville.

“This is the second year we have the opportunity to celebrate with the city of Harlingen and the citizens of Harlingen,” Escudero said. “Harlingen is one of the most important cities within the Mexican consulate’s jurisdiction and it is very important that we work together.”

Escudero read a brief history of how Mexico achieved its independence from Spain in 1821, after an 11-year war, as a reminder of the celebration’s origin.

“Last year (the celebration) was very successful and I hope it will be just as good this year,” said Nat Lopez, Harlingen Hispanic Chamber of Commerce president and CEO, who attended the announcement. “It is important for all of us to know our neighbor and (Mexican) culture.”

Lopez said he is happy that 16 de Septiembre will be recognized in the city. He hopes that in the future the celebration can be a weekend festival.

“This is the start of a great opportunity,” Lopez said.

Lillian Kim, owner of Key Mortgage, a sponsor of the event, said, “As a person of Mexican and Hispanic heritage, 16 de Septiembre, Mexican Independence Day, has a strong meaning for me.

“I am honored and humbled to support and participate in this event because I am proud of my Hispanic roots. I also want to provide an opportunity for the citizens of Harlingen to experience our rich culture through music, food, dancing and other aspects. I am proud of this holiday, which celebrates the courage, dignity and strength of our ancestors who sacrificed their lives for freedom.”