The bicentennial of Mexico's independence passed without major incidents on Wednesday and Thursday in Mexico City.
That is, if you discount the massive and bizarre Olympic-style parade, the 7-ton anonymous colossus statue erected live on the Zocalo, the over-the-top fireworks and fire show, the "grito" led by President Felipe Calderon as thousands on the plaza shouted "culero" in reply, the military parade the following morning with units marching from 17 "amigo" countries to Mexico (including China and the United States) and fleets of Air Force planes swooping down overhead.
A piece of cake, right?
There was less reflection than I thought there would be, less remorse or regret for some of the steps Mexico has taken in recent years, and a lot less fear that I might have imagined, too. Everyone came out, partied, and armed themselves for the inevitable cruda.
A fun night, but there's still a drug war going on, a hurricane on the way, and lots of anxiety to process for the mornings after.
The above photo of bicentennial love is by photographer Trevor Snapp, who produces work from Latin America and Africa. Here are more by Snapp. The Boston Globe's "Big Picture" feature does the bicentennial here. Great images.
* Thank you, Trevor! * Updated.
