More than 200 students attended Diez y Seis de Septiembre in the Texas Union on Tuesday to celebrate Mexico’s independence day one day early.
The celebration coincides with the night in 1810 when Father Miguel Hidalgo rallied Mexicans in front of his church to stand against Spanish rule. The following day, Sept. 16, Mexico declared its independence, sparking a decade-long war.
“The importance of today is along the same lines of why we celebrate the Fourth of July,” said Eric Camarillo, chairman of the UT Mexican American Culture Committee, which hosted the event. “It marks the day that people were finally able to call the shots in their own country, and it helps many of us to remember where we came from.”
Along with music and refreshments, students heard from Liberal Arts professor Emilio Zamora, who spoke on the history of Diez y Seis.
“It’s a very historical event that marked the beginning of the revolution,” said Linda Crockett, special events coordinator at the city of Austin’s Mexican American Cultural Center, which also held a commemoration program Tuesday night. “It’s called the ‘Grito’ (scream) of Father Hidalgo, and it started the independence movement.”
Like other revolutionary commemorations, celebrations of Diez y Seis are often tributes to cultural pride and steadfastness. Martha Menchaca, professor at the UT Center for Mexican American Studies, said this celebration has similarities with St. Patrick’s Day.
“It is a very important holiday in Mexico and the U.S.,” Menchaca said. “It continues an ethnic tradition, and stands for issues of social justice and retention of ethnic identity.”
Camarillo said one of the committee’s primary aims is to promote the accomplishments and culture of Mexicans for the more than 100,000 Hispanics who live in Austin.
“Our goal has always been to inform the UT community about the historical and ongoing achievements of Mexicans,” Camarillo said. “This event is primarily a historical tribute.”
Although many of the committee members and attendees have not lived in Mexico, Camarillo said the night should be used to remember and acknowledge their roots.
“I think for students who claim Mexican heritage or ancestry, it is really important for them to know who they are and where they come from,” Camarillo said. “Tonight is an opportunity for us to search in earnest and find out what it means to be Mexican or Hispanic. It’s an exploration for us to discover, understand and grow.”
Another celebration will take place today at the Austin Community College’s Riverside campus from noon to 1 p.m. The event will feature Frank de la Teja, the state’s former and first official historian, and will include performances by various ballet folklórico groups and musicians.
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