Mexican Embassy marks 210th Independence Day with simplicity
THE Embassy of Mexico in Qatar celebrated Mexico’s 210th Independence Day with traditional fervour and simplicity amid the coronavirus (COVID-19) pandemic.
Speaking on the occasion, Ambassador of Mexico to Qatar HE Graciela Gomez-Garcia said that, this year, Mexicans all over the world are commemorating their National Day in a very unusual context.
The Mexican envoy said that she along with her team started 2020 with great enthusiasm and with an ambitious programme of activities to mark the 45th anniversary of the establishment of diplomatic relations between Mexico and Qatar.
“A number of colourful programmes were planned for the anniversary celebrations this year, but then the pandemic hit us. An unprecedented health crisis that spread worldwide forced us to work from home, to cancel activities, and to redefine the basic rules of our social interaction,” she noted.
She said that September 16 is always marked with gatherings at the central squares of every city in Mexico and at all Mexican embassies abroad.
“Families and friends celebrate together and it is a special day full of joy, food, music and colour,” she remarked.
She added, “The COVID-19 challenge was massive as we were forced to rethink our vision. However, imagination and adaptation helped us to mark this important anniversary with a series of online events, organised in collaboration with the Embassy of Qatar in Mexico.”
The ambassador said that during the past few months, a number of digital forums with senior personalities from both countries were organised on bilateral relations, including in sectors like politics, trade, and sports diplomacy, to name a few. “Recently, we organised a virtual meeting on whale shark that brought together experts from both countries and paved the way for further collaboration on environmental diplomacy, conservation and sustainable tourism,” she said.
The ambassador said that at the local level, the pandemic prevented the embassy from celebrating National Day with the Mexican community, but the embassy designed a rich programme of online activities, including a social media campaign to promote traditional Mexican textiles and fashion; a cooking competition to find the most ingenious recipe of Mexican dishes with a touch of Qatar; a children’s art exhibition and a civic ceremony with social distancing that was broadcast for everyone to enjoy at home.
She said that on Mexico’s National Day, she would like to focus on the bright side of this crisis. “COVID-19 has hit us hard, but it has also brought out numerous inspiring stories of solidarity, commitment and service to others, particularly from healthcare professionals. It has made us rediscover empathy, the importance of family and value of friendship.”
In her concluding remarks, the Mexican envoy said, “Although the pandemic has put masks over our smiles, it has not taken away our joy and love that we feel for our country. Long live Qatar-Mexico friendship!”