(CNN) -- Mexican government officials plan to include the border city of Juarez in independence celebrations despite raging drug-related violence in the area.
The nation will mark more than 200 years as an independent nation Thursday and Friday. Last year, the celebration in Juarez was canceled due to insecurity.
Security operations for the celebrations of the "Grito de Independencia" are in place for the events, according to the Juarez Municipal Public Ministry.
Various government levels are coordinating to ensure adequate security for the thousands who will attend the events in the city, police spokesman Adrian Ventura said.
Uncertainty remains throughout the state of Chihuahua -- particularly in the past two years -- but independence events will be held in 67 municipalities, according to Gov. Cesar Duarte.
In Juarez, local authorities will team up with federal officers with riot gear to provide additional security.
The federal government will maintain a state of general alert during the celebrations Friday as a preventative measure against organized crime.
As the celebration gets under way, some governors have expressed concerns of a repeat attack.
On September 15, 2008, members of Los Zetas launched grenades into a crowd, leaving eight people dead and dozens injured in Morelia, Michoacan.
This year, the federal government has intensified security in eight states affected by violence. The states are Nuevo Leon, Tamaulipas, Durango, Coahuila, Veracruz, Michoacan, Guerrero and Morelos.
In the Federal District, where President Felipe Calderon will give the Grito de Independencia, federal armed forces will provide extra security.
CNN's Nick Valencia contributed to this report.
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