Estefanía Mercado Leads Historic Independence Day “Grito” Before 50,000 at Mario Villanueva Stadium

PLAYA DEL CARMEN, Quintana Roo, September 15, 2025 — In an unprecedented event for Playa del Carmen, Mayor Estefanía Mercado led the ceremony marking the 215th anniversary of Mexico’s Independence before more than 50,000 people gathered at Mario Villanueva Stadium and surrounding areas, in a Mexican fiesta headlined by Grupo Frontera.

From the stage, joined by members of the city council, the mayor delivered the traditional patriotic shouts, honoring the heroes of independence with a firm, emotional voice:

“Mexicanas y mexicanos:
¡Viva la Independencia Nacional!
¡Vivan los héroes que nos dieron patria y libertad!
¡Viva Miguel Hidalgo y Costilla!
¡Viva José María Morelos!
¡Viva Ignacio Allende!
¡Viva Juan Ignacio Aldama!
¡Viva Mariano Matamoros!
¡Viva Josefa Ortiz de Domínguez!
¡Viva Vicente Guerrero!
¡Viva Leona Vicario!
¡Viva Andrés Quintana Roo!
¡Vivan las mujeres y hombres que forjaron a México libre y soberano!
¡Viva la unidad de nuestro pueblo!
¡Viva Playa del Carmen! ¡Viva Quintana Roo!
¡Viva México! ¡Viva México! ¡Viva México!”

Mercado then rang the Dolores bell and waved the national flag.

Before the “Grito,” City Hall Secretary Luis Herrera read the “Sentimientos de la Nación” (“Sentiments of the Nation”), dictated by José María Morelos y Pavón and drafted by Andrés Quintana Roo. The ceremony included honors to the national flag and the performance of both the Quintana Roo state anthem and the Mexican national anthem.

A drone light show illuminated the stadium, drawing applause from families in attendance. After the solemn act, Grupo Frontera took the stage, performing hits including “El amor de su vida,” “Por qué será,” “Que vuelvas,” “Dime que sí,” “Amor propio,” and “Le va a doler.” Urban music singer Macario Martínez opened the celebration, setting the tone for a show of a scale not previously seen at Mario Villanueva.

Security and logistics were coordinated by the Secretariat of Citizen Security, the Secretariat of Civil Protection, Risk Prevention and Firefighters, the Secretariat of Municipal Public Services, and the Municipal Institute of Culture and the Arts.

City officials described the celebration—held in peace, joy, and unity—as a milestone for Playa del Carmen’s patriotic festivities, further consolidating the city as a reference point for identity, tradition, and national pride.