I’ve been lucky lately.
As you know, I had the opportunity to travel to the Dominican Republic this summer for a week of thrill-seeking activities. Then a few weeks ago, my friend, Peter Carey of The Carey Adventures, asked if I would take his spot on a trip to the Yucatan peninsula for Mexico’s bicentennial celebration. After confirming that the dates worked out, I packed up and headed south.
The Yucatan peninsula is located in the southern part of the country and separates the Gulf of Mexico from the Caribbean Sea. Largely secluded from the rest of the country for centuries, Spain’s invasion in the 16th century and Holland’s impact in the 19th century have left heavy Spanish and European influences in the region. Traditional Yucatan foods, like Queso Relleno, resemble a mesh of cultural cuisines, incorporating Spanish pork and Dutch cheeses. More recently, however, cities in the Yucatan such as Cancun, Riviera Maya and Cozumel have become hot spots for spring-breaking high schoolers and newly wedded honeymooners because of their growing nightlife and luxurious beaches. Many seasoned travelers steer clear of the safe, expensive, and ultimately, Americanized resorts, preferring instead to delve a little deeper into the authentic Mexican experience in places like Mexico City. And while the “real Mexico” may be slightly more difficult to find here, it’s far from gone.
During my stay in Riviera Maya, I had the honor of participating in Mexico’s bicentennial celebration. The Independence Day is celebrated on September 16 and unlike Cinco de Mayo, which honors the Mexican victory over the French in the Battle of Puebla, the Independence, or El Grito de la Independencia (“Cry of Independence”), commemorates the battle cry of the Mexican War on Independence. The significance of the day cannot be downplayed – it is the ultimate symbol of Mexican patriotism.
At the celebration I attended, men, women and children gathered in traditional dress to honor their homeland. Fire dancers with ornately painted bodies captivated the crowd and acrobats on horseback completed daring stunts to thunderous applause in an outdoor arena. After the festivities (and a wedding proposal!) everyone gathered to watch stage performers re-enacting the war and a video documenting the strides Mexico has made since the declaration of independence in 1821.
Throughout the evening, I found myself thinking about America’s Independence Day celebrations. While there are a subset of Americans that take the 4th of July very seriously, the majority cheers to independence with a case of beer, a parade led by the local Chase Bank’s newly appointed town queen and a hand-held sparkler in the backyard. Rarely is there any video of remembrance or real swell of national unification. Watching the video of Mexico’s progress throughout the ages, I could feel the pride that emanated from the locals and at the end of it all, I felt embarrassed more than anything else.
Currently, Mexico is experiencing some of the worst violence imaginable. Innocent citizens are being killed at an alarming rate and still, in states all over the country on September 16th, Mexicans came together to celebrate. I was proud for them and embarrassed that I had to explain why this experience was special, why Americans don’t have the same level of respect and pride for our country.
It’s true that in recent years America’s reputation and stronghold as a world powerhouse has diminished, but I think it is still safe to say that there are few countries where I, as a woman, am able to speak my mind, dress as I please and pursue my dreams in the way that I do here. In the grand scheme of things, Americans have it pretty good. Our journalists don’t live in fear of being jailed or killed, our children, regardless of gender and race, have the opportunity to attend school, and our voices and votes, while not perfect by any stretch, actually make a difference. If anything, Americans should be the ones dancing in the streets on the 4th of July instead of standing in awe at another country’s jubilant festivities.
In an area where many travelers dare not to go, in the midst of overpriced tourist attractions and resorts, I somehow found myself in the middle of a national celebration, humbled by the true essence of Mexico and her people. I am not writing to change your mind about what a day of celebration should look like. Instead, I am sharing because I feel thankful and again, vastly lucky and grateful to be reminded that no matter where I travel, there is always, always the opportunity to appreciate and learn.