 "Photo: Srujana Pattabathula")
 "Photo: Christine Achico")
Political unrest in Mexico, a result of the recently contested presidential election, has some worried that protests may disrupt this year's Independence Day tradition. This has caused Mexican President Vicente Fox to move the celebration, which usually occurs in Mexico City's Zocalo square, to the town of Dolores Hidalgo, the birthplace of the Mexican Revolution.
"There is a bit of concern," said Mirla Lopez, a Mexican citizen and historian for the Longhorn League of United Latin American Citizens. "We'd like to think that something like that wouldn't happen."
The presidential reenactment of the "grito de dolores," or "cry of pain," which marked the beginning of the revolution, has become a tradition in Mexico City. Although Mexico's Independence Day is Sept. 16, the tradition takes place Sept. 15.
Friday night, Fox will shout to a crowd in Dolores Hidalgo, "Viva, Mexico!" and the crowd will reply, "Viva!"
El Diez y Seis de Septiembre, Sept. 16, is celebrated across the country in honor of those who started the revolution and fought for Mexico's freedom from Spain. On the night of Sept. 15, 1810, in the town of Dolores, Father Miguel Hidalgo rang the church bell to summon his congregation, who were impoverished under Spanish rule, and incited them to begin the fight for Mexican independence.
He ended the meeting by saying "Mexicanos, viva Mexico!" On Sept. 16, Mexico declared its independence from Spain, which would begin the 11-year struggle.
Hidalgo started the revolution but did not complete it. He was captured by Spanish forces and decapitated within six months. Hidalgo is known today as the Father of Mexico.
"This was really the start of the cry for independence from Spanish American colonies," said Adan Benavides, a Benson Latin American Collection librarian.
The Mexican struggle served as a model for other Spanish colonies to break away and achieve independence, Benavides said.
Mexicans in the United States now celebrate the holiday with traditional dancing, food and music. Independence Day also represents important ideals.
"It's a part of our history, and it's for remembering our roots," said Mary Gonzalez, co-director of the Latino Leadership Council and a Mexican American studies senior. "I think it's a good time for people outside the community to understand the role Mexicans and Mexican-Americans played in Texas and American history."
Additional reporting by the Associated Press
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