Vivan los Mexicanos!

Diverse group gathers to greet Mexican Independence Day

College first-year Sandor Winkler didn't want Sept. 16 to pass unnoticed.

Winkler, who was raised in Mexico until he was 14, has always celebrated Mexican Independence Day. Even after moving to Atlanta, Winkler continued marking the day Mexico began its struggle against colonial rule.

"I've never done nothing for this day," he said. "It's an important day."

To celebrate the day here, Winkler and other members of La Alianza Latina, the latino student organization, organized an event called "El Grito." Translated literally this means "the scream."

The event, which started at 11:30 p.m. on Tuesday, lasted long into the night. It included Latin American music, dancing and food and climaxed with a call and response chant led by Winkler.

With the Mexican flag hanging in the background and the bells chiming midnight, Winkler led the crowd in the grito. "Mexicanos, viva Mexico!" Winkler yelled. "Viva!" came the response.

"Vivan los heroes que nos dieron patria!" Winkler called. The response: "Viva!"

After ten rounds of chanting the crowd was reduced to whistles and cheers for the independence of Mexico and other Latin American countries.

More than 80 people gathered for the celebration, crowding the steps of Finney Chapel. The crowd was diverse, a fact that pleased Winkler.

"I am glad you are all here to celebrate with us," he told the crowd.

Winkler said the tradition of El Grito started in 1810 and has continued ever since. He said the day is celebrated all over Latin America and in latino communities around the world.