“Let’s go to the Angel, let’s go to the Angel” 🎶 For several years now, this Mexico City monument has been the epicenter of all kinds of celebrations, mainly sports-related. But have you ever wondered why people celebrate at the Angel of Independence? It all started with a serenade more than 50 years ago. Here’s the story.
The 1970 World Cup was the first to be held in Mexico and also marked the first time the Mexican national team advanced to the quarterfinals. This achievement was widely celebrated in what was then the Federal District and gave rise to the celebration at the Angel.
Why is it celebrated at the Angel of Independence?
In Mexico’s match against Belgium, the referee awarded a penalty kick to the Mexican national team, which was taken by Gustavo “El Halcón” Peña, who scored the goal that would give the Mexican squad the victory.
After the match, dozens of fans improvised a serenade for the player on Paseo de la Reforma, the avenue where the hotel he was staying at was located.
That very night, the celebration moved to the Angel of Independence, spontaneously creating this iconic tradition. And so, with every victory by the Mexican national team, hundreds of people gather at this monument to celebrate, as they did on June 11 when Mexico beat South Africa 2-0.
However, this monument isn’t just a place to celebrate soccer victories. Throughout history, the site has also hosted celebrations for the Mexican national team’s titles, as well as the triumphs of Checo Pérez, Paola Espinosa, Fernando Platas, Gabriela Guevara, and Canelo Álvarez.
Dozens of fans even celebrated when Guillermo del Toro, Alejandro González Iñárritu, and Alfonso Cuarón won Oscars. There were even those who celebrated when Leonardo DiCaprio took home the statuette.
