MEXICO CITY -- Mexico kicked off Independence Day celebrations on Monday night with President Claudia Sheinbaum ending a more than century-long practice in which only men as chief executives led the country's most important celebration.

Before tens of thousands of people gathered in the main square of the Mexican capital, Sheinbaum shouted from one of the balconies of the Government Palace. "Long live the dignity of the Mexican people! Long live freedom! Long live equality! Long live democracy! Long live justice! Long live a free, independent, and sovereign Mexico!" the president said in a brief message, met with applause and shouts from the audience, who echoed her cheers.

Shortly after, Sheinbaum rang the bell of the historic palace to commemorate the 215th anniversary of Mexico's ind

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