There’s something about Vallarta on September 15 that almost allows you to forget the 90% humidity, right? I mean, “almost” is a word that holds so much value in that last sentence. But still. Mexico celebrates her declaration of independence in such a tidal wave of color, noise and pride that it nearly washes away trivialities like a punishing tropical summer.
Last week, Mexico celebrated her Dia de la Independencia, and, as usual, she let her hair down in an avalanche of exuberant noise and splashy fireworks. If you have young children, you may have decided to allow them to watch said fireworks, resigning yourself to a Monday of sleep-deprived madness.
If you believe strongly that your life should be easier (and I don’t disagree – if you are a parent, any path to an easier life should be taken without guilt), “right before midnight” meant their El Grito celebration at school that ended at 3pm.
Keep in mind for future reference – the white lie that Mexico is closed at 8pm is perfectly forgivable because it’s for your children’s good. And, not coincidentally, for your own good too.
If you DID take your kids to the celebration on the Malecon, you probably noticed that the noise, crowds, and late night was an intense sensory situation for them, and thus for you as their primary caregiver. But hey, if you’re going to have one night where Things Got Ugly, it might as well have been on such a very special night.
I, for one, was glad to celebrate this country, who has given me so much, and who asks so little in return. Mexico demands a bit of tax, a bit of patience, and quite a lot of red tape. But that’s nothing compared to what this place has given me in return:
1) My husband, a son of Mexico, and the best guitar player I’ve ever met in real life. He’s the number one reason I couldn’t quite leave all those years ago. Truth be told, I would stay anywhere he was a citizen, but I do believe that Mexico has made him one seriously super human being.
2) My children, who are Mexican and proud of it. They were born here, and you can certainly tell even as they look to study in their second motherland. They don’t mind hearing a bit of noise and they really do like to make some, too.
3) The food. They have given all of mankind the best food ever. Because of Mexico, we can eat a little piece of heaven right out of our very own hands. And it’s not just tacos. It’s enchiladas. It’s quesadillas. It’s tamales. Shake a stick and you’ll hit somebody’s favorite meal. So be careful with that stick. Mexico, you are delicioso!
4) Sunsets and beaches – Yes. You can find these in many countries. But will you hear mariachi in the background while you watch a sunset so frightfully golden that you worry you might have accidentally died and gone to heaven? Can you jump into the ocean at midnight and not worry about some kind of cold-related illness?
5) People – the great, beautiful, loving, steadfast people of Mexico. These are the people who persevere through war, famine, and injustice.
They are the people who know when to work when to rest, and when to party (with all the good food). They are the people who have given me hope for the rest of the world because they know the value of family, and they know how to enjoy this life we all get to live.
The Mexican people make Mexico. They are the greatest gift of an already fantastic country.
To the people of Mexico and to all of you here reading this: Keep celebrating this delicious, beautiful, friendly, vibrant nation. ¡Viva Mexico!
