3 minute read
On 16 September, VIAGE hosted a memorable event in honour of Mexican Independence Day. The ongoing immersive exhibition Viva Frida Kahlo provided the perfect setting for a celebration of Mexican culture and art. The timing carried deep symbolic meaning. On 16 September, the Mexican community commemorates Miguel Hidalgo y Costilla’s historic Grito de Dolores speech of 1810 and celebrates their rich heritage.
Diplomacy with a personal touch
Among the guests was Mr Noel González Segura, Deputy Chief of Mission at the Mexican Embassy. His presence added an official dimension to the evening and underlined the importance of cultural diplomacy. In his speech he reflected on the significance of 16 September 1810, the beginning of Mexico’s fight for independence. Attention also turned to the enduring power of Frida Kahlo as a symbol of identity, resistance and creativity.
Deep historical roots
Set against the historical context of Mexico’s Independence Day, the event took on even greater significance. When Father Miguel Hidalgo gave his famous Grito de Dolores speech in the town of Dolores, it marked the start of the struggle for independence. At the same time, it symbolised the universal quest for liberty and self-expression. These same themes resonate so strongly in the life and work of Frida Kahlo. Just as Hidalgo’s call for freedom transformed Mexico, Frida’s art changes the way we view pain, passion and resilience.
Mariachis and mezcal
A live mariachi band gave the arriving guests a warm and spirited welcome. Their music filled the space with rhythm and recognition, the perfect prelude to an evening celebrating Mexico in all its colours and contrasts. Carefully chosen welcome drinks set the tone for a night of heartfelt hospitality. This blend of Mexican warmth and Belgian elegance instantly made the guests feel at home and that is what made VIAGE such a unique venue for this special occasion.
Immersion in the world of an icon
The absolute highlight of the evening was obviously the exclusive guided tour of the Viva Frida Kahlo exhibition. In the immersive space, visitors were carried into Frida’s universe – her colours, her pain, her strength. Projected on walls and floors, enhanced by sound and light, her life gained a tangible intensity that deeply moved many visitors. Guests were literally transported to moments from Frida’s life, from the lush garden of Casa Azul to the darker periods of pain and introspection that so profoundly shaped her work.
Flavours that connect
The evening continued with conversation over Mexican specialities. The flavours and aromas of the cuisine provided a culinary extension of the cultural experience. What began as a celebration of a national holiday became a night of connection, admiration and recognition between Belgium and Mexico, between art and life, between history and the present.
This collaboration between VIAGE and the Mexican Embassy shows how art can transcend borders and bring cultures together. Exactly as Frida Kahlo herself did through her universal and timeless work.
