Thousands of Rosarito residents participated in the Independence Day ceremony, led in this final year of Araceli Brown Figueredo’s administration by her replacement, Alejandra Padilla Orozco.

Padilla Orozco took over as mayor following Araceli Brown Figueredo’s departure to serve as a federal deputy.

People from all corners of the city, both Mexican citizens and expatriates, gathered at the Municipal Palace esplanade on the night of Sunday, Sept. 15, to celebrate the 214th anniversary of Mexico’s Independence.

Accompanied by her husband and son, Mayor Alejandra Padilla Orozco stepped out onto the Municipal Palace balcony around 10 p.m. to carry out the traditional “Grito de Independencia,” delivering 23 commemorative shouts.

Among her cheers were calls for freedom, justice, migrants, universal fraternity, and Andrés Manuel López Obrador, among others.

“¡Viva Playas de Rosarito! ¡Viva México! ¡Viva México! ¡Viva México!” she exclaimed.

In an atmosphere filled with festivity and patriotism, the crowd enthusiastically responded to each of the iconic phrases. Children, youth, and adults all repeatedly shouted “¡Viva México!” even after the official cheers had ended.

The ceremony continued with the singing of the national anthem, followed by a fireworks display, which returned to the Municipal Palace perimeter after many years of being launched from the heights of the Constitución neighborhood.

The celebration and dancing lasted well into the night, with performances by various musical groups and a headlining show by Los Cadetes de Lalo García.

After the event, the mayor traveled to the Primo Tapia district, where she also performed the “Grito de Independencia” with the southern Rosarito community.