Every September 16, the Independence of Mexico is celebrated in Mexico and also in foreign countries. My friends from Mexico invited me on September 19, 2008 to celebrate it when we were living in Germany. I assumed they were a bit nostalgic or just fervid patriots. But I liked the idea and I wanted to go to check it out and see how it looked like.
This post and many more are related to my Exchange Year in Germany from 2008 to 2009. In this country I lived with various host families and learned German too. Click in the link below to read more.
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A Nazi Meeting
There was a problem for us foreigners. That same night a neo-nazi style meeting in Cologne was going to take place. The NPD, the National Democratic Party of Germany, considered “the largest neo-Nazi party since 1945.” It was to be expected to come across neo-Nazis and neo-fascists, or similar people, on the street. They are xenophobic par excellence and some are violent. It could have been dangerous to meet these people on the streets of Cologne.
The exchange families from Zhalo and me forbade us to go anywhere near the downtown, for our safety. The decision seemed correct to me but we still wanted to go. So what did we do, if we had the invitation? Well, we went to the invitation anyway.
Traveling cautiously
The party was at Samira's house, located in the downtown from Cologne. Zhalo and I took the tram from Merheim to Barbarossaplatz.
I think that Zhalo and I were conscious of the risk implied. Both of us didn't speak too much in order ‘bend' as much as possible with our surroundings. The more anonymous we could remain, the better. During the tram trip, we didn't meet any skinheads or any other xenophobic people.
Celebrating the Independence of Mexico
We finally arrived to the party and completely safe. Everyone was Mexican except for Alaia and me. Our host Samira has prepared her room with a lot decoration and ornamentation with the colors from the flag of Mexico and other items. There were balloons, cactus, hats with the word Mexico and much more.
Of course since it was party, there was Tequila (how did they get it?!), typical Mexican music (like Rancheras) and dance with couples. It's worth mentioning that Mexican food remains in my top favorites from all time. Tacos are delicious when they are delivered with hot sauce.
But I am Ecuadorian who celebrates the Independence of Mexico…
I found myself celebrating the national day from another country… and it was fun! In fact, it took me a while to realize how adaptable we are as humans. Everything in the party had nothing to do with me, my country of origin or any other celebration that I have done before. Yet, I quickly bend myself with the music, the ambience and the theme of the party celebrating the Independence of Mexico. It was fun from start until the end.
After the party, Zhalo and I went back home after a few hours of a latin party ‘enclave' in Germany.
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