A Mexican fiesta in Delhi

With the evening bathed in hues of red, white and green lighting and Mexican music enthralling everyone, the Embassy of Mexico celebrated its 212th Mexican Independence Day with gusto in Delhi on Thursday. With papel picado (traditional Mexican decorations) strewn across the venue, Mexican ambassador Federico Salas Lotfe welcomed dignitaries and guests for the fiesta.

Long live Mexico: The Independence Day celebrations kicked off with Minister of State for Culture and External Affairs Meenakshi Lekhi joining the Mexican ambassador on the podium. The Indian national anthem was played, after which Lotfe was handed the Mexican flag as he sang the national anthem of Mexico while ringing the freedom bell amid shouts of “Viva Mexico!”

Mexican treat: While many guests took to a podium set up as a photography corner, Lekhi and Lotfe also joined in the fun as they happily posed for the cameras wearing sombreros (wide-brimmed traditional Mexican hats). Adding the right amount of zest to the event was the cuisine. Nachos with salsa and black bean dip, Mexican chicken sausages, fish fingers, and seafood appetisers were some of the delicacies served to the guests.

A special celebration: Talking about representatives and dignitaries from many nations partaking in the celebrations, Lotfe told us, “It’s wonderful that everybody is here, celebrating with us because this is what we do in Mexico on our independence day. We have a party, we celebrate!”

He also shared why this year is celebratory for more than one reason. “Even though it is over two centuries of independence for us, we are happy that we are also celebrating 72 years of diplomatic relations with India – while India is also celebrating its 75th year of independence. We hope that there are many more years where we move forward and strengthen our relationship,” he said.

- Eesha Thorat