Mexico strives to live down cartel violence with global Independence celebration

LatinaLista — With all that is happening in Mexico these days, even the drug cartels can’t deter the country from celebrating the 200th anniversary of Mexican Independence.

In fact, Mexico is proceeding with a national celebration that aims to be global in nature.

Mexico…One Country, All Nations is the theme for a September blow-out party that will feature entertainment on six different stages, exhibits in over 1,000 pavilions and an array of artists and professionals from disciplines ranging from art, culture and science to sport, education, music, theatre and dance — but not just from Mexico, but from around the world.

Taking place in the city of León, Guanajuato on September 22, 23, 24, 25 and 26, 2010, the event will be held at the Parque Metropolitano de León (León Metropolitan Park), one of the most important ecological reserves in central Mexico.

It’s interesting to note that the event company putting this celebration together, Mexico Media Group, has primarily worked in the United States creating city-wide Mexican-themed events.

So now they’re bringing their expertise home and that may account for the global perspective of this party’s theme:

The purpose of the “Mexico, One Country, Every Nation” festival will be to celebrate – as part of the Mexican Independence Bicentenary festivities – the cultural diversity of the international communities residing in Mexico and those that make Mexico a tourist, cultural or commercial destination. All will be invited to celebrate and showcase their identity with Mexico as the host country.

Obviously, it’s a way to promote tourism and commerce in a country that has been hard hit in both areas because of the escalating drug violence. However, the event’s organizers have another interesting agenda, in addition to showcasing national pride.

It will also offer a window of opportunity for international representatives to make their commercial and educational strategies known and, at the same time, establish a platform to raise awareness of respect and tolerance towards people of different physical abilities, sexual preferences, beliefs, color or nationality, as well as the environment and ecological issues.

That is great. If only that same respect and tolerance can be raised among the people who have corrupted the government and justice system of Mexico which, in turn, has allowed the drug cartels to flourish.

There’s no doubt that non-Mexicans will think twice before attending this event that Mexico sorely needs to boost their economy and national morale.

It’s a shame but it’s a bigger shame that the last 200 years have led to such a violent point in Mexican history not seen probably since the height of Mayan warfare.