Staff and residents at Edingley Lodge celebrated Mexican Independence Day in September by hosting a Mexican-inspired fiesta with mariachi music, salsa dancing, and cocktails.

Every year on 16th September the bells of every town square in Mexico sound to remember that in Dolores Hidalgo, a town in Mexico, in the early morning of 16th September, 1810, Miguel Hidalgo y Costilla, a Catholic priest known as Father Hidalgo, made the first cry for independence from Spain, which ruled the country.

So, between 15th and 16th September Mexicans celebrate the moment of insurgency, the possibility, and the hope for freedom in their country. It was the moment that defined their national identity.

Residents went on virtual tours of Mexico, including the Mayan ruins of Chichen Itza and Tulum, the coastline of Cancun and Xcaret, and Mexico City itself. They watched clips of the colourful Independence Day parades that take place all across Mexico.

The home’s head chef cooked a feast of Mexican dishes, including nachos, burritos, tacos, quesadillas, and chimichangas.

Jilu Stephen, general manager at Edingley Lodge, said: “Mexican Independence Day is always full of big flavours and a chance for us to celebrate all things Mexican. We’ve had fun listening to mariachi music and trying a bit of salsa dancing.”

Residents commented: “We have had a fantastic day today, I’ve always loved Mexican food! It is such a beautiful country – it was wonderful to see all the sights on our virtual tour.”

The home said its varied life enrichment programme keeps residents active, and provides a daily choice of engaging physical, mental, and spiritual activities tailored to residents’ interests and abilities.

Edingley Lodge is run by Barchester Healthcare.