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With a loud and firm voice, thousands of Reynosa residents shouted, “Viva Mexico!”

Mayor Oscar Luebbert led the city’s Wednesday night celebration marking the 200th anniversary of Mexico’s declaration of independence from Spain.

Thousands of people gathered in Reynosa’s Parque Cultural to mark the historic moment.

Several cities in the State of Tamaulipas had decided to cancel their Diez y Seis de Septiembre celebrations due to mounting drug cartel violence that has left thousands dead.

But Reynosa officials decided to press forward with their bicentennial celebrations albeit at earlier hours than when they are traditionally held.

Most communities in Mexico hold “El Grito” or the shout of independence at midnight but in Reynosa it was done around 8:30 p.m. Wednesday.

The event continued with music, dances and ended with an extravagant fireworks display.

Reynosa officials reported no incidents at the event where heavy security were on hand for the celebration.