At midnight Sunday, students marked Mexican Independence Day with “el grito,” or the cry.
The Mexican Independence cry was shouted by about 50 students at the rock on Farm Lane.
Mexican Independence Day marks the start of the Mexican revolution against Spain in 1810, led by the Catholic priest Miguel Hidalgo, who called together revolutionaries by shouting from a church rooftop and ringing bells.
In Mexico, natives commemorate Sept. 16 by shouting the cries “Que Viva Mexico.” Some students wanted to bring that tradition to MSU’s campus.
“Everyone knew what it meant and that it was time to go out and fight for independence,” Spanish senior Emily Bergstrom said.
Throughout the day, bells rang on campus and students at the event sang the Mexican national anthem and recited the pledge of allegiance.
The students also celebrated with food, music and the raising of Mexico’s flag. The event was sponsored by students in the College Assistant Migrant Program, Movimiento Estudiantil Xicano de Aztlan and Culturas de las Razas Unidas.
“The efforts of a lot of different people went into this event,” supply chain management junior Sahira Segura said. “I really think this shows the community being built this year.”
Students perched at the rock in a small tent hoped to educate students about Mexican Independence Day and Latino culture in general, Segura said.
“We’re trying to show people around us our culture and show them we’re a diverse people and not just a stereotype walking around,” she said.
Many of the students came after attending the Latino Supper Club on Sunday where students were invited to discuss issues regarding independence day, Segura added.
“It’s about the history of being Mexican and the culture of being Mexican,” she said. “We’re an indigenous people.”
But students were also there protecting their artwork. Several students, including those involved in MEXA and the CAMP program, took shifts guarding the rock all day Monday.
“We’ve seen eggs and things thrown at the rock,” journalism junior Raul Garcia said.
The night before, students painted the rock with bright, primary colors symbolizing unity among people, Garcia said. A part of the rock also showed a picture with a hand holding a globe.
“It’s for the people living in the world and for the people yet to come,” he said. “The yellow ribbons spinning symbolize the next generation.”
