September 16th: Mexican Independence Day. Went to El Chico ( an awesome mountain town in the center of El Chico National Park about 30 minutes from Pachuca) and celebrated with friends. Hung out in a bar right up the street from the church and "El Grito" (The cry of independence that happens on September 15th). El Grito is when the mayor of the town reads a long list of places and people....basically Mexican historical figures and after each all the people shout, "VIVA!" I love it. Way more patriotic than watching a bunch of fireworks (no offense...I do love the 4th of July, but a picnic and fireworks is just not as exciting as it could be!).They also have a huge wooden "castillo" that has tons of fireworks on it and you see Miguel Hidalgo's face light up in fire at the end and a huge flaming disk shoots off the top into the crowd. There are also men carrying wooden bulls that are shooting fireworks off of them running around and mauling anyone who gets in their way. Great times, great friends, great tequila (and rojas) YUM!
