Credit: Elza Osmane, Chronicle.lu
On Saturday 20 September 2025, MexikaLux, a non-profit Mexican association based in Luxembourg, organised Fiesta Mexicana at the cultural centre in Luxembourg-Bonnevoie to celebrate “El Grito de Independencia” (Independence Cry), which marked the start of Mexico’s War of Independence in 1810.
Shortly after 18:00, Luxembourg’s Mexican community and other visitors gathered in the cultural centre, decorated with Mexican flags and colourful paper ornaments. Around 400 guests attended, with tickets sold out in advance and additional visitors waiting outside.
The programme began with a formal welcome and face-painting for children in the hall. Afterwards, following the tradition, Rogelio Granguillhome Morfín, Ambassador of Mexico to Belgium and Luxembourg, led the traditional “Grito de Dolores” (The Cry of Dolores, also known as “El Grito de Independencia”). In a ceremonial procession, children from the community carried the Mexican flag and presented it to the ambassador, after which attendees gave “El saludo civil a la Bandera Nacional” (the flag salute) by placing their right hand on their chest, over the heart, flat with palm facing the ground, while the ambassador honoured Mexico’s historic independence heroes. The crowd responded with repeated shouts of “Viva México”, reflecting the tradition performed annually across Mexico on 15 September.
The evening featured cultural performances showcasing Mexican heritage: live mariachi music by Mariachi Dos Águilas; traditional dance presented by Ballet Folklórico México Mágico Frankfurt; and a performance of “danzón” (a traditional music and dance style from Mexico and Cuba) by Tanzzentrum B&T Ostbelgien. Guests also participated in interactive activities, including a children’s piñata and a tombola with prizes such as a return flight to Mexico and wellness treatments.
Attendees sampled “tostadas” (crispy tortillas) with classic fillings such as “cochinita pibil” (slow-roasted pork in achiote), “tinga de pollo” (shredded chicken in tomato and chipotle sauce) and “mole con pollo” (chicken in a spiced chocolate and chilli sauce), along with “chilaquiles” (tortilla chips simmered in sauce), “tacos dorados” (fried rolled tacos) and traditional pastries. The dessert selection featured sweet breads and cakes, including “conchas” (shell-shaped sweet bread), “marranitos de piloncillo” (gingerbread pig-shaped cookies made with Mexican brown sugar) and “pastel tres leches” (three-milk sponge cake).
Among the visitors were Portuguese and Spanish guests, who share similar indigenous heritage. Speaking to Chronicle.lu, Adriana Jiménez, Secretary of MexikaLux, explained that the association’s biggest celebrations are “Día de los Muertos” (Day of the Dead) and “Día de la Independencia” (Independence Day), which she described as the “heart of Mexican identity”, bringing the community together at least twice a year. She noted that the association has been active for fifteen years, building connections within the Mexican community in Luxembourg and with neighbouring countries such as Belgium, France and Germany. “Our purpose is to invite people from all around the world to discover a bit of our culture. Luxembourgers and other nationalities attend the events out of love for Mexican food, music and hospitality,” she said.
Eleonnora Di Lorenzo, a long-time community supporter, noted to Chronicle.lu: “Every year the event is growing, with more and more Mexicans coming to our beautiful country, Luxembourg.” Her partner, Luxembourger Romain Feider, added: “Mexican culture is big, special and very nice. People are much kinder and more open compared to Europeans. Here, everyone feels welcome.”
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