Sheinbaum Honors Women, Migrants, and National Sovereignty in Her First Independence Cry

Sheinbaum leads first Independence Cry by a woman

Tribute to migrants and heroines

Sovereignty and justice as key themes

On the night of September 15, 2025, Claudia Sheinbaum made history as the first female president of Mexico to lead the traditional Grito de Independencia.

From the central balcony of the National Palace, before a Zócalo filled with around 280,000 attendees, Sheinbaum broke with more than two centuries of a tradition previously led only by men.

The president received the flag from an honor guard composed exclusively of women from the Heroic Military College — an unprecedented gesture that reinforced the symbolic nature of the ceremony.

At her side was her husband, José María Tarriba, as the country commemorated the 215th anniversary of the start of the independence struggle.

Sheinbaum Marks a Historic Moment with Her First Independence Cry

Tribute to Women and Migrants

The Independence cry began with the classic “¡Viva la Independencia!”, but Sheinbaum gave it her own stamp by highlighting the role of women in Mexico’s history.

She mentioned Josefa Ortiz Téllez-Girón by her maiden name, a feminist recognition that did not go unnoticed.

Throughout her speech, the president named heroes and heroines such as Miguel Hidalgo, José María Morelos, Leona Vicario, Ignacio Allende, and Gertrudis Bocanegra.

She also honored Manuela Medina, known as “La Capitana,” and proclaimed: “¡Vivan las heroínas anónimas!” (“Long live the anonymous heroines!”).

In a gesture of social inclusion, Sheinbaum added “indigenous women” and “our migrant brothers and sisters,” bringing historically invisible groups to the center of the national celebration.

Sheinbaum: An Independence Cry With a Message of Sovereignty

Sheinbaum in Her First Independence Cry – PHOTO: Screenshot YouTube, live broadcast

In addition to historic names, Claudia Sheinbaum dedicated her cries to universal values such as dignity, freedom, equality, democracy, and justice.

The closing was marked by an emphatic “¡Viva México libre, independiente y soberano!” reinforcing her commitment to national sovereignty.

The ceremony concluded with three resounding “¡Viva México!” cries, the raising of the flag, and the ringing of the Bell of Dolores, echoing Miguel Hidalgo’s original act in 1810.

Claudia Sheinbaum’s Complete Cry

“¡Mexicanas! ¡Mexicanos! ¡Viva la Independencia!
¡Viva la Independencia!
¡Viva Miguel Hidalgo y Costilla!
¡Viva Josefa Ortiz Téllez-Girón!
¡Viva José María Morelos y Pavón!
¡Viva Leona Vicario!
¡Viva Ignacio Allende!
¡Viva Gertrudis Bocanegra!
¡Viva Vicente Guerrero!
¡Viva Manuela Medina, ‘La Capitana’!
¡Vivan las heroínas anónimas!
¡Vivan las heroínas y héroes que nos dieron patria!
¡Viva las mujeres indígenas!
¡Vivan las hermanas y hermanos migrantes!
¡Viva la dignidad del pueblo de México!
¡Viva la libertad!
¡Viva la Igualdad!
¡Viva la Democracia!
¡Viva la Justicia!
¡Viva un México, libre, independiente y soberano!
¡Viva México! ¡Viva México! ¡Viva México!”.

What It Means

The first Independence Cry led by a woman not only marks a historic milestone, it also opens a new chapter where memory, inclusion, and sovereignty take center stage in Mexico’s national discourse.

With a vibrant Zócalo and a message filled with symbolism, Claudia Sheinbaum’s Independence Cry is set to be remembered for generations.

Do you think Sheinbaum’s Cry represents a new era in how Mexico commemorates its independence?

SOURCE: CNN en Espanol