BISBEE — People celebrated the 198th anniversary of the independence of Mexico with a fireworks display and a parade in Naco, Sonora, and a reception in Douglas.

Mexican officials participate in a ceremony marking the 198th anniversary of the independence of Mexico on Monday night in Naco, Sonora. (Jonathon Shacat-Wick News Service)

On Monday night, a crowd gathered in the town’s plaza in Naco, Sonora, to watch Mexican officials perform a ceremony marking the historic date.

Then, Lorenzo “Chovy” Villegas, mayor of Naco, Sonora, presented a report on the status of the town’s government. He told the residents about the advances, funding and resources for distinct departments, such as social development.

Villegas then led the audience in a series of cheers, including “Viva Mexico,” “Viva la libertad,” and “Viva la independencia.” The crowd responded to each one with “Viva.”

An impressive show of colorful fireworks concluded the event Monday night. On Tuesday, a parade was held in Naco, Sonora. The festivities continued with live music performances and vendors serving local food.

“All of the Mexicans celebrate this event. It marks when our heroes fought to have a better life,” Lorenzo said during an interview Tuesday. “They wanted independence from repression, so they made a war, and that was what ended the slavery.”

Oscar de la Torre Amezcua, the Mexican consul in Douglas, held a reception featuring food and live music at his home Tuesday night. It was attended by officials such as local mayors, as well as law enforcement from U.S. Border Patrol, police and the Cochise County Sheriff’s Office.

“Mexican officials around the world do something to celebrate Mexican independence, and here in Douglas the Mexican Consulate is offering this reception to local authorities and friends of Mexico to participate in our happiness for our independence. This is a celebration for Mexican pride,” he said during an interview at the event.

Mexican Independence Day celebrates the events and people that eventually resulted in independence from Spain, according to www.mexonline.com.

“Fueled by three centuries of oppresion and sparked by a call to revolution by the respected Catholic priest Hidalgo, the Mexican revolution erupted in the village of Dolores, in the state of Guanajuato,” the Web site states.

“The revolution pitted the poor indigenous indians and mixed mestizo groups against the priviledged classes of Spanish descent, and pushed them into a violent and bloody battle for freedom from Spain,” it continues.