Independence Day

Mexico's Independence Day, celebrated on September 16th, commemorates the beginning of the Mexican War of Independence in 1810, when Miguel Hidalgo y Costilla, a Catholic priest, made his famous "Grito de Dolores" (Cry of Dolores) calling for an end to Spanish colonial rule.

The actual path to independence began the night of September 15th, when Father Hidalgo rang the church bells in the town of Dolores, gathering his congregation and delivering an impassioned speech that sparked the independence movement. Though independence wouldn't be achieved until 1821, this moment is considered the catalyst that set Mexico's liberation in motion.

Today, Mexicans celebrate with a vibrant combination of public and private festivities. The celebrations begin on the evening of September 15th, when the President of Mexico recreates the historic Grito from the National Palace in Mexico City, ringing the same bell Hidalgo used. This ceremony is replicated by mayors and governors across the country, followed by fireworks, music, and public gatherings.

The holiday is marked by an explosion of patriotic displays: streets, buildings, and homes are decorated in the national colors of green, white, and red. Traditional foods like chiles en nogada (poblano chilies in walnut sauce) are particularly popular, as their colors match the Mexican flag. Parades featuring military units, floats, and traditional dancers fill the streets on September 16th.

Unlike many independence celebrations worldwide, Mexico's festivities emphasize the beginning rather than the conclusion of their fight for freedom. This differs from the United States' July 4th celebration, which marks the formal declaration of independence, or France's Bastille Day, which commemorates a symbolic victory.

Modern Mexican society embraces Independence Day as both a celebration of national identity and an opportunity for family gatherings. While maintaining its patriotic significance, the holiday has evolved into a time for sharing traditional foods, music, and cultural pride across generations. Street vendors sell flags, noisemakers, and patriotic accessories, while restaurants and public spaces host special events featuring mariachi bands and folkloric dancers.

An interesting aspect of the celebration is how the Grito has become personalized over time, with each president adding their own touch to the traditional calls of "¡Viva México!" The ceremony has remained remarkably consistent through Mexico's various political changes, serving as a unifying national moment regardless of the country's internal challenges.