A shout of independence

I figure it's about time for some more photos around here. The following were taken downtown Oaxaca on September 15th, the evening before Mexican Independence Day.

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History has it that priest Miguel Hidalgo started the uprising of the Mexican War of Independence by ringing a church bell in the late night on September 15, 1810. Now, every town in Mexico has a celebration this night, ringing a bell at 11:00 and joining together in the shout of independence (Viva Mexico! Viva Hidalgo!...).

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Ladies night! Julie and Jo Ellen were kind enough to come with me.

The festively decorated ex-Governors Palace.
The bell that was rung at 11:00.
Profiles of revolutionaries, Morelos and Hidalgo,

in lights above the crowd.
Pretty decor at a hotel restaurant.

Even the flowers are patriotic.
The gazebo from which a woman sang the national anthem at 11:05-ish.
Beautiful fireworks - ooh, aah....-----

I feel that I should mention a sad turn of events that took place during the festivities in Morelia. At the climax of the celebration, 2 grenades were thrown into the crowd, killing 7 and wounding over 100. It appears to be part of a 'war' that has been escalating between Mexico's army and drug gangs. Mexico's current president, Felipe Calderon, has been making major efforts against Mexico's drug cartels, and the drug lords are fighting back - often in very shocking ways. Please be praying for Mexico and its people during this struggle for justice.