KUALA LUMPUR: In conjunction with Mexico's Independence Day on Sept 16, the Institute for Mexicans Abroad (IME) will organise a drawing contest for children around the globe.
Under the theme "The Independence of Mexico", children aged between 6 and 14 can draw or paint aspects, moments, individuals and historical scenes of Mexico's Independence for this year's XXIV Children's Drawing Contest.
The jury panel will select 12 winning art works and confer four honourable mentions for participants from each of the following regions: Latin America and the Caribbean, Africa and the Middle East, Asia and Oceania, Europe, Mexico, United States (West), United States (East) and Canada.
The 28 honorary mentions will be selected by the community by electronic votes through IME's Facebook page (@IMEsremx) from Sept 13 until Sept 17.
All the 40 artworks selected will form part of a travelling exhibit which will be inaugurated in Mexico City and will be presented at cities around the world.
Participants can draw or paint on an A3 paperboard or cardboard (297 x 420mm or 11.7 x 16.5 inches) using any material of their choice, including pencil, paintbrush, acrylic, watercolours and crayons.
They are then required to fill the registration form and provide a brief description of their artwork on the back of their piece.
Participants can opt to hand-in or email their artwork (in JPG or PNG format) to the nearest Mexican embassy, consulate or delegation before Aug 15.
The list of winners will be announced on Sept 20 through the official website and social media accounts of IME.
Mexico's War of Independence began at dawn on Sept 16, 1810 when Father Miguel Hidalgo pronounced the "Grito de Dolores" and ended on Sept 27, 1821 after the Trigarante Army, headed by Agustín de Iturbide and Vicente Guerrero, triumphantly entered Mexico City.
Mexicans, therefore, commemorate their Independence Day on Sept 16 annually through festivities and gatherings that cherishes the Mexican culture, the gastronomy of each state and regional Mexican music in their typical costumes.
The deadline for the contest is Aug 15. For more information, visit https://www.gob.mx/ime