Sheinbaum led the Civic- Military Parade in Mexico City's Zocalo on Wednesday, with military contingents marching through the capital as parachutists descended onto the esplanade and aircraft flew overhead.

Music from the Mexican Army War Band accompanied the parade.

Sheinbaum Puts Sovereignty at Centre

Before the procession began, Sheinbaum presided over protocol events in the Zocalo, including the raising of the National Flag and the presidential review of the Armed Forces.

She was accompanied by members of her cabinet and representatives of the branches of government.

During her address, Sheinbaum linked the country's independence celebrations with the defence of Mexico's sovereignty and autonomy.

"16 September, Independence Day, is Mexico's living memory. It always means holding our heads high and proclaiming to the four winds that Mexico will never be anyone's colony or protectorate. Mexico does not bow down, does not kneel and Mexico is never for sale," the president said. "Long live independence! Long live sovereignty! For ever. Long live Mexico!"

She also described Mexico's Independence as the result of people challenging injustice.

"Mexicans. Mexico was born out of the defiance of a people who refused to accept injustice as their fate," she added.

‘Defend the Homeland’

Sheinbaum called on generations of Mexicans to protect the legacy of those who fought for the country's independence.

"It is a responsibility of all generations of Mexicans to honour what cost lives, to defend the homeland, to safeguard sovereignty and to make social justice a reality, for which so many have given their lives. Because although some would prefer otherwise, Mexico cannot be understood without its noble, courageous and hard-working people. Nor can it be understood without its constant struggle for sovereignty and independence."

The parade concluded with more than 15,000 members of the Armed Forces taking part, alongside 536 land vehicles and 107 aircraft.