Mexican Independence Day is by far one of the biggest, brightest, and loudest celebrations in Mexico, and while it’s easy to join in on the festivities, it’s important to also know a little of the history behind this historic celebration. When is Mexican Independence Day? This celebration falls on September 15 and 16, and as you get ready to don your green, white, and red, these Mexican Independence Day facts will make the celebrations more exciting to experience.

1. The War for Freedom was Led by a Priest.

The cry of independence wasn’t first started by a general or a politician but by a local priest, Miguel Hidalgo. In 1810, as the independence movement was beginning, Hidalgo summoned the people of Dolores, Mexico to the church where he gave a passionate speech for freedom: el grito de Dolores.

2. The Grito on September 15 Kicks Off the Celebration.

This cry of independenceis reenacted every year all over Mexico on the eve of Independence Day, but the most famous grito, or cry, is led by the president in Mexico City. From the National Palace, the president cries these famous words and rings the bell from the church in Dolores, as thousands of spectators chant back “Viva Mexico! Viva Mexico!” Being a part of these Mexican Independence Day traditions will fill you with pride for Mexico, no matter where you’re from.

3. It’s a Two-Day Celebration.

Because Hidalgo’s original cry of independence was in the middle of the night, the Mexican Independence Day celebration lasts two days, with the grito on the 15th and Independence Day on the 16th. While this causes many people to second guess when is the Mexican Independence Day, it just gives everyone more time to celebrate. The 16th typically includes a Mexican Independence Day parade, lively music, and delicious food. It should be noted that the cry of independence won’t take place in many states this year due to the pandemic, however, the President of Mexico has assured everyone that the traditional celebration in Mexico City is still in the plans.

4. The Day Starts with a Mexican Independence Day Parade.

Kick off your celebrations by attending a local Mexican Independence Day parade. In the procession, you’ll spot the military marching, schools performing, and charros riding their horses. As you listen to mariachi and banda music, you’ll feel the vibrant culture of the country and experience its rich Mexican Independence Day traditions.

5. The Mexican Independence Day Celebrates the Beginning of the War.

After his moving speech, Hidalgo helped lead an armed resistance, and September 16th marks the start of the War for Independence. Choosing this date for the Mexican Independence Day celebration honors the birth of a movement and a new nation.

6. The War for Independence Lasted 11 Years.

Another one of the little-known Mexican Independence Day facts is that freedom was not easily won, and the war raged on for 11 years. Hidalgo himself did not live to see a free Mexico. Finally in 1821, the Spanish crown recognized Mexican independence, and the war was over.

7. The U.S. and France both Supported Mexico.

The turn of the 19th century saw countries around the world revolting, and since the U.S. and France had both recently overthrown monarchical rule, they supported Mexico’s independence from Spain.

8. Chiles en Nogada are a Traditional Food.

No list of Mexican Independence Day traditions is complete without the bold flavors and hearty ingredients of traditional Mexican foods. One of the most important Mexican Independence Day facts to know is that chiles en nogada are the traditional food for September 16. These stuffed green chiles are topped with a white walnut sauce and red pomegranate seeds, showcasing all the colors of the Mexican flag.

9. Cinco de Mayo is a Different Holiday

Many people who ask “When is Mexican Independence Day?” are surprised to find out that it’s not Cinco de Mayo. May 5 celebrates a different battle in a war with the French. While many businesses around the country observe this holiday, it comes nowhere near the festivities of the Mexican Independence Day celebration.

A number of new Covid-19 infections and the new Delta variant have prompted members of the Municipal Health and Safety Council to unanimously approved some new health and safety measures in essential and non-essential activities that came into force on August 9th to mitigate the number of infections and spread of the virus.

On behalf of the Mayor Kiko Munro and the secretary of the City Council, Terencio Gutiérrez they affirmed that the municipal administration in coordination with the State and Federal government, as well as with the support of the private business sector, have made an effort to continue vaccination campaigns, aided by the cross-border vaccination program in Lukeville-Sonoyta for the benefit of the Rocky Point population.

However, he clarified, there is still citizen resistance who have refused to be vaccinated and abide by the recommendations in place, which has led to an increase in positive cases and a rise in coronavirus infections.

Other factors in the increase in infections had been the relaxation of preventive measures since Rocky Point decided to return to more normal activities through the Peñasco se Activa Plan, causing the Municipal Health Coordination to begin again the inspection tours to make sure that the standards are being enforced.

The approved regulations are:

1. The measures previously established by the Health and Safety Council remain in force for the general public, visitors and tourists:

• Mandatory use of mask.

• Installation of sanitizing mat at the entrance of all commercial establishments.

• Application of antibacterial gel.

• Body temperature check.

• Maintaining a healthy distance (minimum 1.5 meters).

2. Restaurants may stay open, but at 50% of their normal capacity, without new restriction of hours.

3. Mobile Food Stalls (fixed and semi-fixed), may be continued without restriction of schedule.

4. Bars, Clubs and the like, restricted to 50% of their capacity and must close no later than 11:00pm.

5. The following measures are established for the development of activities in Tourist Boats:

• Tourist boats may operate at 50% of their maximum capacity, including crew.

• Respect the security protocols and schedules issued by the Harbor Master's Office for all types of vessels.

6. Activities in Party Venues and/or Meetings may be carried out at 40% of normal capacity, with the following restriction:

• Social events destined for minors under 15 years of age are suspended - such as: piñatas, baptisms and similar events.

7. Leagues and/or Sports Teams, where minors under 15 years of age participate, are suspended.

8. Citizens in general are encouraged to keep children under 15 years of age at home, since they are the most vulnerable to the Delta Variant of COVID-19. It is also established that the city will follow guidelines of any future preventive and security measures which may be issued by the Federal or State Government through the Secretary of Health of the State of Sonora and Council State Health

In August of 2016 Arnott and Kathleen Duncan took a crazy leap of faith and launched a program to provide kids in Rocky Point with a path out of poverty through education. Never in a million years would they have imagined that this program would grow from supporting 72 students to more than 600!

None of this would have been possible without the contributions and support of so many over the past 5 years. From current and past team members on both sides of the border, to so many amazing volunteers and donors, Tia Katy states that she is incredibly grateful to each and every person who has supported this effort along the way.

And she truly believes that where a child starts in life should not determine where they finish and is grateful and humbled to have the opportunity to provide so many young people with the opportunity to change their outcome in life. She is incredibly honored to have had so many of you join on this journey.

Shrimp season is tentatively ready to begin again this month in the State of Sonora, however authorities from Conapesca, Inapesca and fishermen have yet to meet to negotiate the actual date.

Aureliano Aldama Rivera, president of the National Confederation of Fishing Cooperatives, mentioned that the date will be determined after the meeting with the authorities of the National Fishing Commission which is expected to happen in the coming days.

He remarked that in 2020 the season was permitted to open during the first week of September. In 2019 it was on the 21st of that month, and in 2018 it opened on the 1^st. With that history, it seems very likely that the opening of this year’s season will be during this month.

The actual start of this year's season will be determined through a study which is carried out each year by the Regional Center for Fisheries Research (CRIP) to check on the population of shrimp and to determine what size they are.

A few days of August were difficult for businesses in the Malecon area. There were to be some semi-permanent structures erected along the boardwalk in which various venters would set up to sell their items and food products. Construction had begun when some local people decided that the structures would block the views of the ocean.

The group of Rocky Point residents then organized to express their rejection of the construction of the 16 fixed booths for street vendors, and managed to collect more than 2,500 signatures asking the City to force removal of the structures. After four days of collecting signatures, a petition was drawn up to express their disagreement with the plan to build the stalls.

The petition stated that placing these fixed booths in part of the walkway of the boardwalk was effectively an improper use of public space, as well as them blocking the natural beauty of the ocean, siting visual pollution. They claimed that these buildings would present a bad image of the city.

The document also contained a series of requests, such as creating a fully transparent plan for the public space before taking any action, the relocation of the semi-fixed stalls, a strict cleaning protocol, as well as consultation with residents and merchants of the Malecon neighborhood for any future projects

The city succumbed to the pressure and removed the structures, however street vendors then blocked access to the Malecon area, causing businesses to lose revenue. The demonstration was done peacefully and respectfully, however not yielding to pressure to allow people and vehicles to pass through to the area.

Next, on Tuesday morning, August 31, the fixed booths are back. Apparently, they were removed to another location to finish building them. After more than 2500 signatures were collected, the city agreed to modify the project. But, they didn’t scrap it entirely. The locations are changed which appear to be the final placement. Is this debate over? Your guess is as good as mine.

For the second consecutive year, El Mirador beach has received the international “Blue Flag” award, bestowed by the Foundation for Environmental Education (FEE) Mexico.

Joaquín Arturo Díaz Ríos, executive director of FEE Mexico, presented Mayor Kiko Munro with the certification and the “Blue Flag” in the company of Marcia Ortega Morales, operational manager of the Clean Beaches Committee of Puerto Peñasco, and, director of Ecology and Sustainable Development. César García, director of ZOFEMAT, carried out the ceremony of raising of the flag.

"It is important to highlight that this international award that distinguishes us as the only beach town on the Sonora coast to receive this distinction and adds us and to 92 beaches in total that have been certified on the Mexican coast," he explained.

The Rocky Point Mayor highlighted that at this time there are 76 meters of beach that have been certified as meeting the 33 environmental criteria which are required to obtain this recognition.

“The certification of beaches is one more tool for tourism promotion and allows us to attract new projects and investments. But it has also created awareness and the opportunity to live sustainably and to encourage the people who visit the beaches, which we are blessed to have, to assist in keeping them in pristine condition”, commented Kiko Munro .

He recalled that, thanks to the support he has received the number of certifications held by Rocky Point beaches have multiplied, recently being able to certify two more beaches with national awards for Sustainable Clean beaches on Sandy Beach.

In addition, he said, that in order to achieve the economic growth rate of 8%, and continue welcoming the 2.5 million people who visited every year before the Covid-19 pandemic, a strong investment has made of approximately 30.9 million pesos in promoting five projects to improve and rehabilitate the north and south accesses of Playa Hermosa, Playa El Mirador, El Malecón, and purchase more equipment and machinery.

Joaquín Arturo Díaz Ríos, executive director of FEE México highlighted that in the municipal administration headed by Mayor Kiko Munro he has found an active, responsible and conscientious counterpart, since the operation of the "Blue Flag" beach is not simple. It is an operation which is acquired day by day, with the level of commitment that the operator that is the City Council has together with the operators of this certified beach.

“Puerto Peñasco is positioned as one of the “Blue Flag” destinations, the only one in Sonora, and we hope that this challenge that this administration is leaving will spread to other beaches, because we already have the tools to accomplish that, and we already know how to do it. It is hoped that we will continue to work so that other sites, hotels, and beaches may in the future be certified at an international level ”, stated the executive director of FEE México.

The construction of a first cell with a capacity for 80 tons of garbage per day and an estimated useful life of 10 years has progressed to approximately 40% completion, is being supervised by Mayor Kiko Munro.

The Mayor, together with José Luis Montijo Torres, director of Public Works, councilor Anahy Pacheco Rendón, president of the Public Works Commission, and David Zazueta, construction supervisor, stated that the completion of the new landfill will substantially improve the quality of life, health, safety and sustainability of the city, laying the foundation for the next administration to continue the necessary steps for the construction of additional new cells.

He remarked that almost 9 million pesos are being invested in this project, finally remedying a long standing problem with the final disposal of waste and addressing problem issues that have existed for the last 20 years. He also expressed thanks to the approval of investment for the acquisition of the necessary equipment.

For his part, José Luis Montijo Torres, reported that 40 percent of the advancement process of this new infrastructure has been completed, including basin and perimeter slopes, as well as the perimeter bearing surface for the confinement of the cell. The construction work, he said, will be 120 meters long by 60 meters wide with an average depth of 3 meters.

Main characteristics of the cell of the new sanitary landfill:

• A cell will be built in the first stage with the capacity to receive solid urban waste, which must be compacted to make better use of the space in the cell.

• The cell will be covered by a special material called Geomembrane in order to prevent leaching (garbage liquids) into the subsoil. The runoff will be collected by pipes specially designed for that purpose, as established by the current Mexican standards.

• The cell will be equipped with biogas extraction pipes. This gas is natural and is generated by the decomposition of garbage. The correct handling of this gas will reduce the risk of fires and contamination caused by the landfill.

• The design of this new landfill cell will reduce the generation of flies, pollution from fires caused by gas and exposure of garbage, and will reduce bad odors in nearby areas.

• It is important to mention that the useful life of this cell for sanitary landfill depends to a great extent on the correct handling of the garbage, its separation, compaction and deposit, and final handling.

By Deb Turner

Hello heat and humidity! Wow! This month we had some really fun activities! We are continuing to make contact with business owners to host activities.

The scouts want to go camping! We’ll wait until it is cooler! Other activities we are working on:

Sunset Cruise – Asked Del Mar Charters

Chef Mickey – pool

Supping (Stand up paddleboard with Donia Stoenner Molieri)

Arts and Crafts – both for personal use and to sell: Karen Stewart

Baking with Joy Paul

Scott Kaos – DJ

CEDO tour

Bruce Regan – Speaking about how keep getting up when you are knocked down

Haircuts – Alan Gonzales and Martin Flores

Aquarium visit

The Turquoise door – painting session

Others still in que:

Shayna Sanqent – Manny’s Beach Club – pool and food/talk

Kristy Nichols: Mermaid Margarita – food

Skate Park

Star gazing

Other ideas?!!

Activities

1. Sand Dollar Finding with YiYi Tours and Nallely Fimbres Soto. What an experience. Playa Encanto, low tide, sand dollars and shells. The Scouts had a blast, and each brought back a bag full! Then they got to go and play on the water as usual! We provided snacks, drinks, and this time Deb’s other Birthday cake. If you haven’t been sand dollar finding at low tide, DO IT! Contact Nallely and she can make it happen. What a memorable time. Nallely Fimbres on messenger, Phone number: 662-148-4280. She has lots of other activities.

2. The Turquoise Door with Y Renēe Shearer and Carolina Smith. They taught the scouts hoe to quill make thank you cards and bookmarks. What an experience. These scouts were so focused and did a phenomenal job! You never know what hidden talents these scouts have. Renēe has also donated a lot of beads and will show the scouts how to make bracelets! These we will sell! The Turquoise Door offers a variety of classes. Please contact Y Renēe Shearer for more information.

3. Yoga with Michele Morris Regan at our Living Stones Ministry. Again, you just never know! Michele was great and Rigo did a great job translating. We had to explain yoga to the scouts, so we had no idea what their expectations were. They did a terrific job. So proud of them. They now understand yoga! Michele wants to come back! Yes ma’am, only when it is cooler! The room was so warm – high humidity and evaporative cooler really doesn’t make it for an ideal situation! But they toughed it out. So proud of our scouts for always being willing to try something new! After yoga… POPCICLES!

4. The Turquoise Door: Quilling the scout logo to hang. What a great lesson in collaboration to reach a common goal! That is what Renēe and Carolina shared while the scouts (and volunteers and leaders) quilled for the scout logo that we can hang. A special thanks to Carolina for bringing the beautiful, yummy gelatin. So good!

Rallying the Scouts

The first meeting in August was a business meeting. It has become quite apparent that we have an issue with being responsible and showing up. Especially on the “outside” activities. We send notes/reminders home with the scouts for upcoming events (especially on non-Thursdays). Some (read that as at least half) never bring what they are supposed to bring. So, leaders and volunteers are brainstorming a solution. It is such a waste of time, energy and wasting the host’s time and money. Not to mention wasted gas and time transporting everyone. We’ll let you know in the next letter how it went.

We discussed all the topics of responsibility and accountability. We took a vote. They want to continue with all the activities. We also discussed our mascot. They want “Sharks” so we are now The Tiburones!

Fundraising

1. So far, Jesús from BBQ House wants to host karaoke fundraiser. We will sell tickets (also wrist bands) in advance and at the door. He will provide the prize package and we will keep all the entrance fees. We are still working on all the details. We will keep you posted. When we make the announcement, don’t forget to purchase your tickets (wristbands)! Remember, it is a fundraiser for our troop, so just buy one or two whether you plan on being there or not! Thank you in advance!

2. Karen Stewart is currently working on craft projects and teaching our scout Michele to help. Both for personal use and to sell. We haven’t figured out where to sell them, but we have a couple of ideas. Stay tuned

3. A bake sale

4. A car wash (not sure where yet)

5. the scouts want to build a 9-hole mini golf course and charge admission. Need to locate a place

6. Make and sell bracelets thank you Y Renēe Shearer of the Turquoise Door who has graciously donated the supplies for the scouts to make the bracelets.

Banquet

Not there yet, but it is happening before the end of the year – scout banquet and badge ceremony.

Last banquet Jesús of Captain Manuel’s hosted our dinner and ceremony. We haven’t approved a restaurant yet.

Christmas Party

Deb was approached by a local business for a fabulous idea for the Scouts Christmas Party! We already do backpacks (see Wishlist) stuffed with goodies. We would distribute these and other stuff. Think having a toy drive. All the “excess” toys will go to other organizations we work with. We will keep you posted! The Christmas ideas are growing. So far, Jesús from BBQ House also wants to participate. As usual, we will let you know how much money will be required to put all this together!

School Supplies Drive

We have contacted Avocato Burrito Republic, El Pollo Papago, BBQ House, Toskos and Jesse’s Carreta Restaurant to host our donation boxes. All have accepted. Currently some of our scouts and their moms are decorating the collection boxed! We also want to thank Salas y Monroy for donating boxes and notebooks and Don Güero from Alvara2 in San Rafael for donating some boxes.

OH NO NOT AGAIN!!

On Friday, August 6th the Sonoran government reinstated all covid restrictions effective on Monday, August 9th. We are all devastated. All kids 15 and under are again on lockdown! So, we have postponed all our events. We will keep planning and hope it is short term and not another 15 months. Again, we will keep you posted.

Wish List

Backpack Items: Snacks, puzzles, school supplies, (both for August and Christmas Backpacks), soaps, combs, brushes, toothpaste, toothbrushes, socks, small toys, silly putty, etc. Christmas wrapping paper, ribbon, tape, name tags (preferably the ones they hang). Since we have not been able to make money, we need snacks and drinks. Art/Craft supplies. Finance for Christmas Party. Finances or sponsorship for awards (badges) Banquet. Any other item you can think of. We usually request 30 of each. Cash is always needed for snacks. Volunteers when we have activities. Help getting beach permits (last time we had to pay). Camping area with restrooms (they like on the beach). Help with craft supplies. And more…

If you have not had the pleasure of meeting or volunteering with our Scout Troop, you should. They are terrific! Contact us!

Deb Turner, messenger, email (trnrrck@yahoo.com) U.S.A. 520-906-3096 Mex. 638-386-8645

Rick Turner U.S.A. 520-331-9605 Mex. 638-107-6750

Rigo Franco 638-107-3166 (Spanish)

We want to thank everyone for all your love and assistance.

Although the negotiations have taken longer than expected, in October the Chinese company Gangfeng will take full control of the lithium deposit in Sonora, considered the largest in the world, and which for now is owned by the English company, Bacanora Lithium.

According to a source close to the negotiation, Bacanora will accept the offer of 67.5 cents a pound sterling per share made by the Asian company to stay with its project in Mexico, not for lack of interest or potential, but to develop a strong investment and state-of-the-art technology that only Gangfeng has.

The lithium that exists in Mexico, specifically in the Sonora deposit, explained the source, is made of clay, which means that it is found within rocks so it takes a large investment and state-of-the-art technology to extract it. Technology which the Chinese company has access to, given that it is one of the most important lithium producers in the world.

At the beginning of last May, Gangfeng International Trading issued a cash offer with which it could acquire all of Bacanora Lithium. Originally the date to complete the operation was the end of that month, but the limit has been extended three times.

According to the source consulted, there is no problem in the negotiation, but there are simply delays in legal procedures. In fact, he assured that the Chinese company has already approved the offer internally, and Bacanora shareholders have no problem, given that it is a proposal above the share price for a project that is not yet finished and that still needs a lot of investment.

The transaction seems to logical as the Chinese company already has half of the deposit, Bacanora is a small company that does not have the capital to develop the project alone, and Gangfeng not only has capital, but also the necessary technology, he said.

In Rocky Point, the fish most often used is Lenguado (Flounder), but you can use almost any fresh fish filets for ceviche. You can also use shrimp, scallops, manta (stingray), octopus, or pretty much any seafood. But, the purists of ceviche say that it should really come from white, textured seafood. Certainly, while here in Rocky Point, it is very easy to come by super fresh seafood in many varieties with which to experiment. In the USA when other types are unavailable, many prefer to use Tilapia. 

Directions: 

One thing that makes Spanish quite an easy language to converse in for the beginner is that there are basically only five vowel sounds

Vowels don’t change their sound in Spanish

By themselves, Spanish vowels never really alter their sound, unlike English vowels, which, to the native Spanish speaker can be quite baffling. Pronunciation of words like determine, waffle, sausage, and names like Ian and Graham, as well as wind (the kind that blows) and wind (as a watch), read (present) and read (past), and differences in the pronunciation of words such as rough, bough, though, thought and thorough, are almost anathema to the logical Spanish mind.

Vowels joined together

Even when two vowels together join to make a single sound, that sound is essentially a combination of the two vowels’ individual pronunciations.

Here are some examples:

Amainar —to wane or diminish— has the regular ‘a’ sound, (a as in cat) in the first syllable, while the ‘ai‘ is pronounced like the long i in English, as in high.

If you join the short ‘a‘ and the Spanish i (pronounced as the long ‘e’ in English—like the first ‘e’ in Peter) you get a sound very similar to the English long i. It requires a bit of squashing them together as two vowels are made to fit the space of one, but the basic sounds are kept.

The ‘au‘ in Spanish is pronounced like the ‘ou’ in the English ‘out’ and is a similar combination of the Spanish ‘a’ sound and the Spanish ‘u’ – which is like the English ‘u’ in flute.

The ‘o’ in Spanish is pronounced as the short ‘o’ in dog. The ‘o’ combined with ‘i’ or ‘y’ is pronounced as the ‘oy’ in boy, and presents little difficulty.

‘Ou’ in Spanish only occurs in foreign words —for example ‘voucher’— and its pronunciation is usually as close as possible to that of the foreign word. the Royal Spanish Academy, the Real Academia or RAE, actually spells it ‘váucher.’ More common in Spanish is cupón or vale.

This holds true for other combinations of strong and weak vowels joined to form a single syllable.

The ‘sharp’ E in Spanish

There is, however, one subtle variation in the sound of the Spanish ‘e’, which is slightly sharper at the end of a word than at the beginning or in the middle.

While the correct pronunciation of the Mexican currency —the peso— is closer to PE’-soh than PAY’-soh, the sound of the ‘e’ at the end of a word (i.e. not followed by a consonant) is slightly closer to ‘ay’ without being quite the same. Here are some other examples to illustrate the point:

Perderé — (I will lose) – is approximately pair-de-RAY’

Depende — (it depends) – roughly de-PEN-day

Impenetrable — (like the title of this article) – EEM-pe-ne-TRA-blay.