Despite the tremendous downpour that pounded the Chapala area just as September 15 festivities were getting underway, throngs of enthusiastic folks were undeterred from unleashing patriotic spirits at traditional Grito night celebrations.
While the storm threw some programmed activities out of sync, it subsided about an hour before the clock rolled around for the customary ceremony commemorating Miguel Hidalgo’s famed 1810 cry for Independence.
The crowning of Monserrat Lomelí, Chapala’s Independence Queen, had to be postponed briefly and relocated to the steps of City Hall, but minutes later Mayor Joaquin Huerta stepped out on the balcony right on cue to ring a brass
bell, wave the flag and lead to multitude standing below in a heart-felt chorus of “Vivas” for Mexico, Chapala and the nation’s heroes of freedom.
Independence Day parades held under sunny skies the following morning capped a full week of traditional activities in most communities dotting Lake Chapala’s shores. San Antonio Tlayacapan and San Juan Cosala will keep the party going through this weekend.
