Hanane Djoua
Doha
As Mexico marks its 214th year of independence, it stands as a proud nation, celebrating its rich history, cultural heritage, and enduring values of sovereignty.
Mexico’s National Day transcends political ideologies and regional differences, uniting the nation in a shared sense of pride and purpose.
In an exclusive interview with Qatar Tribune, Ambassador of Mexico to Qatar HE Guillermo Ordorica shared profound insights into the significance of this historic occasion and Mexico’s evolving role on the global stage.
“This event strengthens the bonds of all sectors of society in Mexico. It represents our collective journey, and I am proud to share this celebration with all my fellow citizens, both in Mexico and abroad,” the ambassador said.
A nation born from the cry of independence
The roots of Mexico’s journey towards independence trace back to 1810, a pivotal year when Father Miguel Hidalgo, one of Mexico’s founding fathers, made the famed “cry for independence” (El Grito de Dolores) on September 15. “We must bear in mind that in 1810, Mexico began a significant process of emancipation,” the ambassador stated, “simultaneously building an independent and sovereign nation.” This marked the beginning of a long struggle that united the Mexican people in their dream of creating a free and beautiful country.
Today, this spirit of unity and resilience remains central to the identity of Mexico. “Since then, all the Mexican people have been committed to this dream. Over 214 years, Mexico has emerged as one of the leading countries among the G20 and an important international actor,” the ambassador continued. Mexico’s openness to the world, driven by its people’s warmth, is enhanced by what the country offers in terms of tourism, trade, and investment.
Recreating the Historic Cry
Every year, the cry for independence is commemorated in Mexico with a cultural reenactment. “This national day is a vital civic celebration, like a grand birthday for the nation,” the ambassador emphasised. The president of Mexico, serving as the event’s central figure, leads this annual reenactment from Mexico City’s historic Zócalo or, occasionally, from Dolores, Guanajuato, where the original cry for independence was made.
This year, the ceremony was particularly momentous. President Andrés Manuel López Obrador delivered his final cry for independence in Mexico City before passing the presidency to Claudia Sheinbaum, the country’s first female president-elect. “After the cry, the ringing of the bells, and the call for independence, sovereignty, and friendship with the world, a huge celebration unfolded in the central square with thousands of people enjoying music, food, and festivities. It is truly a people’s celebration,” the ambassador said, painting a vivid picture of the national event.
The celebrations continued with Mexico’s traditional military parade, which showcases the elegance and dedication of the Mexican armed forces. “The parade is not meant to demonstrate offensive military strength, but rather the role of our forces in promoting peace and helping during humanitarian crises and natural disasters,” the ambassador clarified. This beautiful display of gallantry is repeated across Mexico’s 32 states and echoed by Mexican embassies around the world.
Mexico National Day in Qatar
In Qatar, the Mexican Embassy held several events to mark this significant occasion. “We celebrated the cry for independence across four different locations, and we are very grateful to the Qatari authorities for allowing us to illuminate three emblematic buildings: the National Museum of Qatar, the Sheraton Grand Doha, and the Torch Doha, all in the colours of the Mexican flag,” the ambassador shared.
Through these events, the embassy fostered a greater understanding of Mexico’s rich history and cultural traditions. “These celebrations allow Qatar to better appreciate our history and the significance of Mexico’s independence,” the ambassador added. Events like these, which include cultural exchanges, deepen the bonds between nations and create a platform for sharing mutual values.
Building Stronger Economic and Cultural Ties
While Mexico is among the world’s most significant economic actors, the ambassador acknowledged that economic exchanges between Mexico and Qatar have room for growth. “We need to deepen our relations, particularly in trade and investment. Mexico presents a great opportunity for foreign investors, especially in sectors like nearshoring,” he explained.
Mexico’s strategic location within the North American Free Trade Agreement offers access to a vast market of over 500 million people, making it an attractive gateway for Qatari businesses looking to expand into the North American market.
The Mexican community in Qatar, while small, plays an essential role in strengthening bilateral relations. “We are approximately 650 people here in Qatar, many working for Qatar Airways, while others are entrepreneurs and CEOs,” the ambassador noted.
Cultural Diplomacy
Mexico is recognized globally for its cultural diplomacy, attracting millions of visitors each year. “We offer a rich variety of destinations, from cultural and gastronomic experiences to ecological and medical tourism,” the ambassador said. “Cultural diplomacy is critical for promoting Mexico’s national interests, but it also fosters international dialogue.”
As Mexico continues to build on its legacy of independence, its commitment to peace, cultural diplomacy, and international cooperation ensures that it remains a respected voice on the global stage.
