Hispanics mark first cry for independence at Our Lady of Grace event
Embracing the nearly 200-year-old spirit of their forefathers, Lubbock Hispanics celebrated the anniversary of the first cry for Mexican independence Tuesday with the same ringing of a bell that rallied a people to fight for freedom.
Starting off the Fiestas del Llano, the Grito de Dolores event recognizes the sacrifice of the original conspirators that planned insurrection against Spaniard oppressors in 1810 by honoring Father Miguel Hidalgo, credited with making the first cry for freedom.
"In 1810 our ancestors were looking for human dignity and freedom," said Bishop Placido Rodriguez, addressing the crowd of about 40 that gathered at Our Lady of Grace Catholic Church. "Today, in 2009, we need to achieve those values."
Hildago rang the church bells in Dolores, Mexico, to let the people know the battle for independence had begun. Up until that point, the conspirators had worked in the shadows, preparing for the oncoming struggle.
When the group caught word that Spain had learned of their plans and would certainly execute them for their plot, Rodriguez said the small band decided it was time to take a stand or die before the revolution could begin.
It took 11 years of fighting for the dream of those early patriots to become a reality, but Rodriguez said it was the spirit of courage demonstrated by those rebels that every Mexican and Tejano could learn from when facing the challenges of today.
The festivities will continue throughout the week to celebrate the Mexican Independence Day, which is formally recognized as today.
Sam Harper, chair of the Fiestas board of directors, said celebrating the Grito is an important part in continuing to recognize the Mexican heritage that so many Texans enjoy.
"The whole 16th of September celebration was possible because of the Grito," Harper said. "We always do this."
Waving the Mexican flag alongside a flag with the image of the Virgin Mary, Rodriguez pointed out that Texas was a part of Mexico during the struggle, associating the state with the celebration as well.
Hildago picked up a similar flag with the religious symbol when rallying the people, he said, creating a deep connection between the struggle for independence and their Catholic beliefs.
"And he said, 'This is your flag,' " Rodriguez said. "Even though the image of Our Lady of Guadalupe is religious, it was the first flag of independence."
Irene Ramonez, a Southwest Airlines employee from Dallas, came back to visit her parents, Juan and Julia Ramonez, to celebrate the event like she does every year, she said.
"We come here, to Lubbock, to our roots," she said.
The next event in the Fiestas celebration starts Thursday at the Lubbock Memorial Civic Center Theater, continuing on through Sunday night.
"You're going to want to make a weekend of the festival," Harper said.
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