Sheinbaum’s First Grito Elevates Heroines as Commentators Question Exclusions, Culture Cuts

Overview

• On September 15, President Claudia Sheinbaum delivered the Independence Day Grito from the National Palace, marking the first time a woman led the ritual.
• Her arenga used Josefa Ortiz’s birth surname, Ortiz Téllez‑Girón, and honored heroines including Leona Vicario, Gertrudis Bocanegra and Manuela Molina “La Capitana.”
• Sheinbaum also hailed anonymous heroines, Indigenous women and migrants, reinforcing a gender‑focused reframing of the commemoration.
• A Milenio column praised the symbolism but criticized the lack of explicit recognition for Afro‑descendant contributions to independence.
• The same piece urged reconsideration of a reported 16% reduction to culture funding, while Excélsior highlighted female cadets’ prominence in the September 16 civic‑military parade.