Mexico City's newly elected president, Sheinbaum, commemorates the female champions of Mexico's Independence in their inaugural 'Grito' celebration.

Mexico's Claudia Sheinbaum marks history as the first female president to address the country's Cry of Independence on Monday night.

, and Administrator

2025 September 17 . 12:12 PM

2 min read

Mexico City's newly-elected president, Sheinbaum, pays tribute to the female heroes of the... — Mexico City's newly-elected president, Sheinbaum, pays tribute to the female heroes of the country's Independence Day celebration for the first time.

Mexico City's newly elected president, Sheinbaum, commemorates the female champions of Mexico's Independence in their inaugural 'Grito' celebration.

In the heart of Mexico City, the Zócalo was filled with a jovial, yet calm atmosphere as revelers eagerly awaited the national celebration on the eve of Mexico's Independence Day. Food vendors and roving merchants offered their goods, while the air was thick with anticipation.

As the clock struck 11 p.m., President Claudia Sheinbaum took center stage, becoming the first female president of Mexico to deliver the Grito de Independencia. With a voice loud and clear, she cried out, "Viva México libre, independiente y soberano! ¡Viva México! ¡Viva México! ¡Viva México!"

The flag waved by President Sheinbaum was a symbol of pride, given to her for the first time by military women from Mexico's Heroic Military College. The crowd erupted in cries of "Claudia!" and "¡presidenta!" as the president resumed a tradition started by former president Andrés Manuel López Obrador, mounting an Honor Guard during her tour of the Gallery of Presidents at the National Palace.

Sheinbaum paid homage to various Mexican independence heroes, including Josefa Ortiz Téllez Girón, Leona Vicario, Gertrudis Bocanegra, Manuela Molina, and four unnamed women. In a poignant moment, a portrait of Leona Vicario, a Mexican independence heroine, was placed in the main gallery of the National Palace for the first time.

Following the delivery of the Grito, an elaborate fireworks display lit up the night sky, marking the culmination of the national party that swept across Mexico. The event concluded with a patriotic rendition of Mexico's national anthem, led by the president, who rang the Campana de Dolores.

Peter Davies, chief staff writer for Mexico News Daily, reported on the historic event, capturing the spirit of unity and pride that filled the Zócalo. Adding to the festive atmosphere, La Arrolladora Banda El Limón de René Camacho, a Latin Grammy award-winning regional music banda, played at the Zócalo, creating a palpable energy that resonated throughout the night.

This year, 2025, has been declared the "Year of the Indigenous Woman" in Mexico, making President Sheinbaum's historic delivery of the Grito de Independencia even more significant. As Sheinbaum wished long life to "our migrant sisters and brothers" and to a "free, independent and sovereign Mexico," the crowd responded with cheers, their voices echoing her sentiments. The Grito de Independencia, first issued by priest Miguel Hidalgo y Costilla in Dolores, Guanajuato, on Sept. 16, 1810, continues to resonate, reminding us of the power of unity and the importance of standing up for freedom and independence.