Tight security as Mexico celebrates its bicentenary

Mexico has been partying across the country, to celebrate its 200 years. Reforma Avenue in Mexico City was packed for a colourful parade, to mark the start of the fight for independence in 1810. Spanish rule eventually came to an end in 1821. But security was tight everywhere, with some towns and villages cancelling the festivities because of surging drug violence. There are reports that police killed eight drug hitmen in the northern state of Nuevo Leon.

The bill for all this is put at the equivalent of about 180 million euros; one newspaper survey says eight out of ten Mexicans think it’s too much.

Invasion, civil war and the current fight against the drug cartels have marked Mexico’s colourful history, as well as internationally-renowned food, Mayan ruins and beautiful beaches.

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