Ringing the Bell For Independence!

September 16th is Mexican Independence Day. (I know everyone in the states thinks it is May 5, but it isn't.) At 11:00 p.m. on September 15, 1810  Miguel Hidalgo, a Catholic priest, rang the church bell in a cry for freedom, which marked the beginning of the Mexican War for independence from Spain. Although it would take 10 years before Mexico would actually win its independence, September 15 at 11:00 p.m. everyone in Mexico celebrates "El Grito"and continues to celebrate through September 16.

This year the Lomas Stake in Guadalajara had a big celebration and invited us to attend. We were so excited to go and participate. The night began with a program in the cultural hall that included folk dances from all over the country, performed by the youth and primary aged children. This was followed by food booths and fun in the parking lot.

 Everyone got into the fun, including a bishop (left) and a member of the stake presidency (right)

It was a perfect opportunity for some very good missionaries to bring their investigators!

Each ward had its own food booth. This ward had corn (elote) which they served covered in cream, chili sauce and cheese, or mayonnaise.

Another ward boiled meat in this very large pan and served it in large rolls with chili sauce

Here the Relief Society Sisters work together so serve burritos

 It was a big night, and very well attended

I got a kick out of this picture of the missionaries watching the dance program in the cultural hall. 

 And although the picture isn't the best quality, I loved this one of two little girls, dressed in typical Mexican attire playing on the grass, while their parents ate dinner and visited. 

Not to be out done by our cute sister missionaries!!

 It was such a fun night. We were so glad to have been invited!!