Mexican Independence Day
Today celebrates the day Father Hidalgo called for Mexican independence.
Marcella Lopez
Reviewer URLOrigin
Mexican Independence Day commemorates a day many acknowledge as the start of the fight for Mexican independence. The fight had been ongoing for years before September 16, 1810 and continued for years afterwards. But September 16, 1810 holds a special place in Mexican history.
On that day, in a small congregation in Dolores, in the state of Guanajuato, Father Miguel Hidalgo y Costilla gathered his parishioners. He called on them to fight for Mexican independence. His “Cry of Dolores” or Grito de Dolores is commemorated each year.
In El Grito de Dolores, Hidalgo urged the exploited lower classes to rise up against Spanish rule, including those who were born in Mexico and were descendants from Spain. Hidalgo had close ties to the exploited mestizo (mixed race) and indigenous populations. He aided them in obtaining skills and resources to create goods and grow crops, specifically flouting Spanish-imposed laws against them. Hidalgo was targeted for arrest and made his speech, in part, to upset Spanish plans to imprison him.
With his cries for independence, Hidalgo and his parishioners took up the banner of the Virgin of Guadalupe. (The Virgin of Guadalupe is the patron saint of Mexico. She is the Virgin Mary, as she appeared in a vision to St. Juan Diego.) The group marched toward the town of San Miguel, where they retook the city and grew their army.
Hidalgo was captured and executed in 1811. Mexico officially gained independence from Spain in 1821 with the Treaty of Córdoba.
Traditions
Mexican Independence Day is celebrated in Mexico and anywhere there is a large population from the Mexican diaspora. In Mexico, celebrations begin on the night of September 15. In towns and cities, local officials will ring a bell to call people to reenact El Grito de Dolores. People cry “¡Viva Mexico!” And the call ends with another bell. People often set off fireworks in celebration.
On September 16 in Mexico, large parades are held in the streets. Mexico City, the capital of Mexico, holds a large military parade. People celebrate with food, music and traditional folk dancing. In the United States, similar events are held—including mariachi band performances, parades and street festivals.
Chiles en nogada, a stuffed green poblano pepper with white walnut sauce and red pomegranate seeds, is a popular dish on Mexican Independence Day. The colors of the dish (red, green and white) echo the colors of the Mexican flag.
What to do
“¡Viva México!” is a traditional greeting for Mexican Independence Day. “Happy Mexican Independence Day” or “¡Viva la independencia!” are also fine greetings.