Mexico's military paraded through the streets for independence day, and for the first time, women pilots flew over them

REUTERS/Henry Romero

Military vehicles parade during the celebration of Mexico's Independence Day at Zocalo Square in Mexico City, September 16, 2019.

• September 16 is Mexican Independence Day.
• As in years past, the Mexican military marked the occasion with a parade through the streets of and in the skies over Mexico City.
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Late Sunday and throughout Monday, Mexicans celebrated their country's independence day.

Celebrations took place all over the country, including in Mexico City's main plaza, Zocalo Square, where thousands of onlookers watched members of the Mexican military parade past on foot, in vehicles, and in the air.

Below, you can see how Mexico's armed forces invoked past and present to celebrate the 209th anniversary of Mexico's freedom from Spain.