Edited by Anna Popper
Mexico’s Independence Day, El Grito de la Independencia, observed each year on 16 September, commemorates the nation’s historic fight for freedom from Spanish rule. The movement began in 1810 with “El Grito de Dolores” – the impassioned call to arms by Father Miguel Hidalgo y Costilla, remembered as the Father of the Nation. His cry for liberty ignited a struggle that ultimately secured Mexico’s independence in 1821. Every year, Mexicans around the world echo Hidalgo’s “Grito”, honouring his legacy and reaffirming national pride.
In 2025, Mexico celebrated the 215th anniversary of this defining moment. President Claudia Sheinbaum Pardo made history when she became the first woman to deliver the traditional Grito de Independencia, an indigenous ceremony from the National Palace, marking a new era of empowerment and unity.
On 17 September 2025, the Embassy of Mexico in Budapest proudly hosted a commemorative ceremony at the Museum of Ethnography, a spectacular new building in the City Park, opened in 2022and housing more than 225,000 ethnographic objects.
The event was attended by Hungarian officials, members of the diplomatic corps, representatives of the Mexican community in Hungary, and friends of Mexico.
The celebration began with the national anthems of Mexico and Hungary, performed by the Military Band of the Ministry of Defence.
It was followed by the remarks of Her Excellency Rosario Molinero, Ambassador of Mexico to Hungary:
“Excellencies, Ambassadors from all friendly nations, Hungarian authorities and Friends of Mexico in Hungary, Compatriots, Dear friends,
Welcome to the celebration of the 215th Anniversary of Mexico’s Independence, known in our country as El Grito de Independencia, through which we exalt our sovereignty and pay tribute to the heroes who gave us our homeland.
Today, rather than delivering a speech full of data about my work in Hungary and my concurrent responsibilities in Bulgaria and Croatia, I would like to share how enriching it has been to serve in this region of diverse perspectives.
I arrived in Hungary in the summer of 2021 with the mission of strengthening the bonds of friendship and understanding between Mexico and Hungary, Croatia, and Bulgaria through the tools of diplomacy – in line with the principles of Mexico’s feminist foreign policy and with the firm conviction to care for my Mexican community.
How could this be achieved without mastering the languages of these three countries? My answer was simple: we must get to know one another. We must seek more Mexico in Hungary, Bulgaria, and Croatia – and more Hungary, Bulgaria, and Croatia in Mexico.
This has not been an easy task, but it has been both fascinating and deeply rewarding. I have explored – and continue to explore – the national visions of these countries, their challenges, their ways of life, history, gastronomy, spiritual and cultural connections, and their daily life. My focus has always been on identifying similarities: shared principles, national goals, values, interests, and mechanisms for dialogue and cooperation.
In parallel, I have visited municipalities, universities, museums, and historical sites, including UNESCO World Heritage locations. I have travelled to the provinces, admired their beautiful towns, markets, and cemeteries in search of their essence, and attended traditional festivals filled with folklore, music, and unspoken language. I have also sought dialogue with executives of large, medium, and small companies, public figures, and representatives from ministerial, parliamentary, judicial, academic, and ecclesiastical spheres – all in search of bridges and paths of cooperation.
Gradually, not without challenges or differences, Hungary, Croatia, and Bulgaria reminded me of the deep feelings we share: the desire to preserve sovereignty, identity, values, customs, and traditions – as well as the importance of family, community, and good food. I found the similarities I was looking for. I have always felt the warmth, spirituality, and shared values that unite us – the echoes of histories marked by invasions that make us alert to global change, and the genuine charm of these nations in seeking a true friendship with Mexico.
In Hungary, I have felt embraced by the colours of our flags; tasting corn, spicy sauces, and even goulash often reminded me of a comforting pozole from my homeland. In Croatia, the seafood and coastal flavours resonated with Mexico’s rich and diverse cuisine. In Bulgaria, the spicy bean soup, aromatic herbs, and scent of roses made me feel at home. Through these experiences, I discovered new opportunities and avenues for engagement – to promote more Mexico in Hungary, Croatia, and Bulgaria, and more of these countries in Mexico.
Since then, I have worked focusing on our similarities rather than our differences, building cooperative relationships with public, private, and local actors – thinking locally, acting globally – and fostering new dynamics through institutional partnerships, cooperation instruments, political mechanisms, and, at times, simply through acts of solidarity and understanding.
My beloved Mexican community has always held a central place in my agenda and in the work of the Embassy. Without you, dear compatriots, my mission would be incomplete. You are the ones who create the true synergies that make this pursuit – of bringing more Mexico to Hungary, Croatia, and Bulgaria – possible.
I have also continued looking south, toward Latin America and the Caribbean, to open new paths of dialogue, understanding, and unity.
It is no coincidence that today we are celebrating the 215th Anniversary of Mexico’s Independence here at the Ethnographic Museum, a symbolic place that embodies the soul of Hungary and houses a vast collection of international and regional crafts, including from my countries of concurrent accreditation. A place where the very essence of nations walks through its halls, telling stories. Today is also a time for us Mexicans to remember our identity, values, origins, and the heroes who gave us our homeland.
I wish to express my heartfelt thanks to all our sponsors for their generous support – Koch Vinery, iDrinks, and the catering company. A special acknowledgment goes to the museum staff who kindly opened their doors to host this celebration of El Grito de Independencia. I also extend my deepest gratitude to the entire Embassy team for their teamwork and dedication that made this event possible. Thank you very much.”
The Ambassador gave the floor to Mr. Lajos Kemecsi, Director General of the Museum of Ethnography in Budapest, who presented a remarkable joint initiative between Mexico and Hungary on the occasion of the Centenary of Mexico–Hungary diplomatic relations, to be celebrated in 2026.
Speech by Mr. Lajos Kemecsi, Director General of the Museum of Ethnography:
“It is my great honour, to welcome you all to the celebration of the 215th anniversary of Mexico’s Independence.
The Museum of Ethnography is a fitting venue for today’s occasion. Mexican artifacts accompany the museum’s more than 150-year history, symbolizing the longstanding cultural ties between our nations.
The first Mexican objects arrived in Budapest in the mid-19th century, collected by János Xántus (1825-1894) and Pál Rosty (1830-1874), two remarkable figures of Hungarian cultural history. Rosti was among the first to photograph Mexico, while Xántus, a Hungarian revolutionary in exile, served as the U.S. consul in Manzanillo before becoming the founding director of our museum. Their collections laid the foundation for a rich tradition of Hungarian–Mexican cultural exchange.
In the late 19th and early 20th centuries, our museum expanded its Mexican collection through travelers, scholars, and international art exchanges. A particularly significant step was taken in 1967, when Tamás Hofer, later the museum’s Director General, conducted fieldwork in Mexico and enriched our collections with nearly 200 ethnographic objects and photographs.
Another milestone was a major artifact exchange with the National Museum of World Cultures (Museo Nacional de las Culturas del Mundo) in 1985. As a result, the Museum of Ethnography gained over 400 Mexican ethnographic objects, while a Hungarian ethnographic collection was sent to Mexico – which will soon be on display again at the museum in Mexico City.
After 1990, with Hungary’s renewed openness to the world, our cooperation deepened further. Researchers such as János Gyarmati conducted fieldwork in Mexico and significantly expanded our collections. Today, our Mexican ethnographic collection comprises nearly 10,000 objects, making it one of the largest in Europe. Over the past 25 years, eight exhibitions have been dedicated to showcasing this material.
The continuation of this relationship spanning over a century and a half is our upcoming exhibition, ‘Mountain of Myths: The Ancient Pyramids of Mexico’, opening on 29 January 2026. It will explore the cultural and spiritual significance of the pyramids in pre-Hispanic Mexico – how they served as sacred, political, and architectural centres in the lives of ancient peoples. The concept was developed and curated by Dr. János Gyarmati and will feature both historical objects from our collection and exceptional loans from five Mexican museums.
I would like to express my deep gratitude to the National Institute of Anthropology and History of Mexico (INAH), to the participating museums, and especially to the Embassy of Mexico in Budapest and Her Excellency Ambassador Molinero for their generosity and active support, which have been essential in bringing this project to life.
My visit to Mexico last year remains a profound personal experience. Beyond the professional meetings, I was deeply impressed by the warmth, openness, and joy of the Mexican people, and by the extraordinary richness of their culture. These encounters have strengthened not only institutional cooperation but also a sense of lasting friendship between our peoples.
On this special day, as we celebrate Mexico’s independence, we proudly remember the historic Grito de Dolores of 1810 – the call by Father Hidalgo that inspired a nation to strive for freedom.”
“Thank you for your attention, and ¡Viva México!”
Guests then enjoyed a festive reception featuring Mexican cuisine and beverages – from cochinita pibil, tamales, and mole to horchata, tequila, and mezcal – thanks to the generous support of the sponsors.
Ambassador Molinero extended her gratitude to the Mexican community for their enthusiasm and support, celebrating together the enduring spirit of freedom and identity. “United, we reaffirm our identity, our values, and our national pride.”
¡Viva México! Long live Mexico!
Source: Embassy of Mexico in Budapest
Photos from the Embassy of Mexico in Budapest, and Wikipedia
