Today is Grito de Dolores, Mexico's Independence Day

MEXICO CITY, Mexico (KTRK) -- The bell sounded in the Mexican capital last night to ring in the country's 204th Independence Day.

Crowds gathered in the Zcalo, or main square, as President Enrique Pea Nieto enacted the Grito de Dolores and claimed: "Long live the heroes that gave us our nation and freedom! Long live this nation that embrace us! Long live Mexico!"

President Nieto then rang the bell four times. Fireworks followed and the festivities were officially underway.

Today, many Mexicans will celebrate the national holiday with parades and festivals. If you see more Mexican flags hanging around Houston today, that's because many expatriates continue the festivities here.