¡Viva México! Celebrate Mexican Independence Day

¡Viva México! Celebrate Mexican Independence Day
El Grito de Independencia (The Cry of Independence) is one of Mexico’s most important national holidays, commemorating the beginning of the fight for freedom and sovereignty. Every September 15, millions of Mexicans come together to celebrate with pride and joy.

Location: Across Mexico, with notable celebrations in Mexico City’s Zócalo, Dolores Hidalgo (Guanajuato), and main plazas in every city.
Date: September 15 (with events starting earlier in the month).
⏰ Schedule: The main event, El Grito, takes place at 11:00 PM, but festivities begin early in the day.

What makes Mexican Independence Day special?

1. El Grito: At 11:00 PM, the president (or local authorities) reenacts Miguel Hidalgo’s call to arms in 1810, waving the Mexican flag and shouting:
   • “¡Mexicanos! ¡Vivan los héroes que nos dieron patria y libertad! ¡Viva Hidalgo! ¡Viva Morelos! ¡Viva Josefa Ortiz de Domínguez! ¡Viva Allende! ¡Viva México! ¡Viva México! ¡Viva México!”
     (“Mexicans! Long live the heroes who gave us our homeland and freedom! Long live Hidalgo! Long live Morelos! Long live Josefa Ortiz de Domínguez! Long live Allende! Long live Mexico! Long live Mexico! Long live Mexico!”)
2. Fireworks: The night sky lights up with spectacular fireworks displays, filling the air with color and excitement.
3. Music and dance: Plazas come alive with mariachis, bands, and traditional music as people dance and sing.

Highlighted activities:

• Fairs and kermeses: Carnival rides, food stalls serving traditional dishes like pozole, tostadas, elotes (corn), and churros, and family-friendly activities.
• Patriotic decorations: Streets, homes, and buildings are adorned with flags, lights, and the colors of the Mexican flag (green, white, and red).
• Civic parades: Some cities host parades with floats and historical reenactments.

Why can’t you miss it?

1. Connect with history: El Grito is a reminder of the bravery and sacrifice of the heroes who fought for Mexico’s independence.
2. Experience Mexican fiesta: It’s a celebration full of joy, music, food, and family unity.
3. National pride: It’s the perfect time to celebrate Mexican identity and culture.

A bit of history:

El Grito de Independencia commemorates the call made by Father Miguel Hidalgo y Costilla in the early hours of September 16, 1810, in the town of Dolores (Guanajuato), urging the people to rise up against Spanish rule. This event marked the beginning of the Mexican War of Independence, which ended 11 years later, in 1821, with the signing of the Treaty of Córdoba.