200 years in the making...

If you happen to live in Mexico or have spent time here recently (or if you are Mexican I should hope you know this) you may have gathered that 2010 is the Bicentenario - 200 years since the Independence of Mexico on September 15th 1810.

Mexican Declaration of Independence

Since we moved here 6 months ago, one of the first things I noticed were these signs that seemingly popped up everywhere:

Ruta 2010 signs are on highways around the country to mark important routes used by the revolutionaries during the fight for freedom from the Spanish Crown. The other stamp is on everything the government declares is part of the celebration; which of course is everything.

As we fast approach September (and if 2010 flies like 2009 did, that will feel like next week!), you get a sense that people are really gearing up for this year's grito celebrations. If on any ordinary year it is already a huge party, I imagine that 2010 is going to be a never ending fiesta.

As part of the preparations, Televisa is producing a number of short clips called the Estrellas del Bicentenario, which feature different states of Mexico. The first one out is of Chihuahua:

Now, doesn't that make you want to take a year off and go visit every place imaginable in Mexico, starting with running through el Desierto de Samalayuca with a flow-y white dress? What a beautiful country, no? I can't wait until the rest of the clips are available.

Lots to celebrate, but also a lot to learn. I remember studying Mexican history back in university for a Latin American Business course, but of course it is only hitting home now. I started at the Castillo de Chapultepec, but there are many incredible museums to visit around the city. If the cold is keeping you in your pantuflas however, check out the website of the Bicentenario for some lessons - and of course there is always Wikipedia.