Bears vs Eagles: The United States national anthem sounded different in the NFL, and the reaction was quick to come
Mariachi Herencia de México's performance before the game generated mixed reactions on social media during a special night for the Latino community in Chicago.
The national anthem of the United States was played in an unusual way before Monday Night Football between the Philadelphia Eagles and the Chicago Bears.
The presentation was part of the activities organized by the Bears for Latino Heritage Month . The team took advantage of the game against Philadelphia to celebrate Latino culture during an event also linked to “Vamos Bears” , its initiative to strengthen ties with Spanish-speaking fans.
A mariachi to perform the United States national anthem
Mariachi Herencia de México , a group originally from Chicago , brought mariachi violins and trumpets to one of the most traditional rituals in American sports.
The presentation also had a historic character: it was the first time that a mariachi group performed the national anthem of the United States at Soldier Field.
The performance in Chicago also had a precedent just a few days earlier. Mariachi Monumental de México, a group formed in Chicago in 2009, performed “The Star-Spangled Banner” before the game between Green Bay Packers and Atlanta Falcons at Lambeau Field . The group, which has performed at various sports venues across the United States, described its participation as a special moment in its career.
The ceremony brought together 76,955 spectators. After the performance, the Falcons defeated the Packers 35-14 after coming back from an early 7-0 deficit and stringing together 27 consecutive points during the game.
The performance divided social media
The fans' reaction quickly reached social media. Some spectators questioned the choice of the mariachi and argued that it should have preserved an interpretation closer to the traditional versions usually heard before games. Others received the performance in a completely different way. Numerous messages appeared celebrating the rendition, its energy, and the decision to incorporate one of the most recognizable musical expressions of Mexican culture into an NFL night .
An honor to perform the Star-Spangled Banner through our mariachi tradition.
The debate was not related to a change in the anthem's lyrics, but rather to the way chosen to perform it. The performance thus ended up becoming one of the most talked-about issues in the lead-up to Eagles-Bears.
In addition to the performance of the anthem, the event included a halftime presentation dedicated to the history and influence of Latin music in Chicago.
The game ended with a 27-7 victory for the Chicago Bears over the Philadelphia Eagles . Chicago, which entered the game with Case Keenum as quarterback, relied on a defensive performance that forced three turnovers and held Philadelphia to seven points.
