Mexico City on Thu. celebrated its first full-scale Independence Day celebration since the COVID-19 pandemic.

Mexican Pres. Andrés Manuel López Obrador helmed Thu.'s event, which was attended by 140K+ people. (NPR)

This year's celebration marked 212 years since the start of the Mexican War of Independence from Spain. (Yucatan Times)

Obrador opened Thu.'s event reciting Roman Catholic priest Miguel Hidalgo's "Cry of Dolores," which ignited the war. (YT)

On Sept. 16, 1810, Hidalgo delivered the first cry for independence in Dolores, Mexico, triggering a revolt. (NPR)

Hidalgo would go on to amass an army of 6K+ to fight Spanish forces. He was defeated and executed in 1811. (History)

Hidalgo's struggle continued: another priest, José María Morelos took up the cause before being executed in 1815. (NG)

Mexico's War of Independence lasted 11 years and culminated in the country's independence in 1821. (History)

Every year, Mexico's president recites Hidalgo's cry from Mexico City and pays tribute to those lost during the war.

Independence Day has been celebrated in Mexico nationally every year since 1825. (History)

Obrador: "Long live peace!"

Obrador: "Long live democracy!"

Obrador: "Long live freedom!"

Obrador: "Death to corruption."

Obrador: "Death to classism."

Obrador: "Death to racism."

Obrador: "Long live the indigenous peoples."

Obrador: "Long live the cultural greatness of Mexico!"

Obrador: "Long live Mexico!"

Obrador closed the event ringing the same church bell Hidalgo rang 212 years ago in Dolores, Mexico. (NPR)