Fiestas Patrias from Jalisco

As we commemorate 215 years since the beginning of the struggle for Independence, it seems difficult, when analyzing the daily issues, to find themes or excuses to celebrate Mexico's Fiestas Patrias. The constant political polarization, persistent violence, and recent evidence that those who promised to be different are the same as before, leave few excuses for celebration, at least from the perspective of the exercise of government.

The same can be said in the North, the Center, or the Southeast of the country, but since we are neighbors of the State of Jalisco, it's worth asking ourselves from what perspective we celebrate our homeland in the State.

Amidst the grandiloquent speeches of authorities, we are suddenly inclined to disbelieve what they tell us, but the differences between the popular narrative and that of the government are certainly profound.

Here's a list of songs that deserve to celebrate what we have, although there's always room for improvement.

Unlike what happens in Sinaloa, Michoacán, or Veracruz, in Jalisco, national celebrations in any public square are not canceled for reasons of insecurity. In those spaces, the presence and attacks of organized crime are feared. Here, although it is known (because we are not naive) that criminals are still present, control of the social space is still maintained.

It is consistently claimed that Jalisco is the state with the highest number of missing persons in Mexico, and yet, despite this tremendous burden, we still maintain the social dynamic of development and growth.

If the problems of insecurity and violence are as evident as the statistics show, it's also true that the structure of the police forces allows Jalisco cities to maintain a certain level of normalcy, avoiding the extremes experienced in other parts of the country. This is a value worth defending and safeguarding.

Yes, as is the case in other parts of the country, there are also shortages of medicines and failures in basic infrastructure such as roads.

But despite these development obstacles, what can be said is that the state has made an effort to maintain its autonomy, manage its resources, and resist the federal government's attempts to centrally concentrate everything in a project that undermines the people of Jalisco's historic efforts to promote federalism and a local vision.

Indeed, it could be said that the efforts Jalisco has made since it was established as a free and sovereign state (just as other entities of the republic have done) have built a Mexican identity. It's easy to assume, but not everywhere can the world be made aware that several of the cultural elements of Mexican identity are of Jalisco origin, including music, traditions, clothing, and even cuisine.

It can be said, then, that celebrating local culture and defending the traditions that have been built within the community is celebrating the homeland, and Jalisco excels at that.

In ¡Viva México!, ¡Viva Jalisco! is implicit.