Ciudad Jurez celebrates 16 de Septiembre

Juarenses who celebrated Mexico’s history said they’re ready to close a chapter on their city’s violent past.

Parade watchers waved flags and cheered on floats during Mexico’s Independence day celebration in Juarez.

In 2010, the city cancelled the patriotic celebration due to heightened cartel violence but it was revived in 2011.

While Sunday’s festivities drew large and excited crowds, armed guards and guns flanked the spectators.

“There’s more security,” said one onlooker. “I think the violence is over and Juarez will keep growing and people will keep supporting the city.”

“It’s safe and It’s good,” said one woman watching the parade. “It’s something that we Mexicans can look forward to every year. We like coming and looking back and remembering.”