The Mexican community, led by Ambassador Arturo Trejo, celebrated their 203rd National Day on Wednesday at Tuwaiq Palace in the capital’s Diplomatic Quarter (DQ).

“We are happy and greatly honored to be able to celebrate our National Day in Saudi Arabia. The two countries are bound by excellent bilateral ties, which are strengthening day by day,” Trejo said on the occasion.

Trejo also thanked Prince Turki bin Abdullah Al-Saud, deputy governor of Riyadh, along with Shoura Council members, for attending the event.

Trejo explained that celebrating Mexico’s national day in the Kingdom enhances friendship between Saudi Arabia and Mexico since both countries share the same values, goals and quest for stability.

Mexican culture and traditions enveloped the Tuwaiq Palace atmosphere. The hall was decked out in colorful decorations, while visitors enjoyed authentic Mexican cuisine and a jubilant ambiance.

The palace was ornamented with a variety of decorations, including red, white and green-colored fiesta flags (known as banderitas), colorful luchadore (wrestling) masks, flowers, and sombreros (traditional Mexican hats). People were also dressed in traditional Mexican attire.

Mexican singer Mario Valencia entertained guests with national songs.

“I am honored to represent the people of Mexico in Saudi Arabia,” Valencia said. “It is always my pleasure to convey the feelings and culture of Mexico through my singing,” he added.

“It is a pleasure for us to witness Mexicans celebrate their national day in our homeland. We are truly enjoying the cultural diversity and the great music,” Saudi nationals Majid Moiz and Habib Al-Otaibi told Arab News.

There are approximately 400 Mexicans in Saudi Arabia, most of them are students pursuing higher education in the Kingdom’s colleges.