Mexico 2010 Independence Bicentennial

by: na.stoudymire.puert
Date: Fri, 23 Jul 2010 Time: 1:31 AM

BICENTENNIAL INDEPENDENCE CELEBRATION

The story about Mexico’s fight for independence could be a star-studded Hollywood movie, as it includes secret basement meetings, national treason, family betrayal, a king and his colonies, an emperor, martyrs, near defeat, and, of course, the eventual victory of the white-hats.

But what exactly happened on Cinco de Mayo? Where did the main events take place? Where should you travel to visit Mexico during the celebrations?

SUMMARY
Napoleon in France attempted to conquer Spain distracting the Spanish King from the events happening in the American colonies. A Catholic priest incited a revolt and quickly took over an important gold and silver mining town. The priest declared an end to slavery in Mexico in 1811, which included Texas at the time, a full 50 years before Lincoln's Emancipation Proclamation..

Spain approved a new constitution incorporating advanced concepts such as giving the colonies the right of partial self-determination, freedom of the press, the right to vote, and government with a system of checks and balances.

Finally, through mediation from the Catholic Church, a peace agreement was signed by warring factions that defined the rights and guarantees to the Spanish Crown, the Mexican Republic and the Catholic Church. Thus was born the Mexican Empire with Agustin I at its helm.

EPILOGUE
Later on, Texans requested the Mexican government to reinstate slavery in the North which it did to avoid another war.

By the way, Mexico's Independence is held on September 16. Cinco de Mayo is not related to the War of Independence as it marks Mexico's victory over the invading French army long after the war of independence from Spain had finished.

FIND OUT MORE
The nation-wide party will be marked by numerous world-class events such as the most extravagant fireworks display in the history of the country on September 16, a spectacular tall-ship regatta and the creation of the largest outdoor “virtual” museum in the world.

Watch Mexico’s official 5-minute video about the