The Celebration of Mexican Independence

Mexican Independence Day has been celebrated for centuries with a series of parties and rituals that have changed over the years but have always been spectacular and mark a milestone in Mexican culture. So, if you are thinking of traveling to Mexico soon, mark the date – September 16 – and keep reading to find out everything you need to know to experience Mexico Day in style.

The cry of Dolores, the cry of Mexico’s Independence begins the national holidays

It is considered the beginning of Mexico’s Independence and, although there is no official version, tradition says that the priest Miguel Hidalgo y Costilla, accompanied by Ignacio Allende and Juan Aldama, rang the bell to gather his parishioners and got them to rise up in arms on September 16, 1810 in the town of Dolores Hidalgo, about 300 kilometers from the capital, Mexico City. Independence and the Grito de Dolores have been linked ever since.

Since 1825, this ‘grito de Dolores’ has been celebrated nationally when Mexicans were asked to light up and decorate their homes. A parade was then held that reached the National Palace and, at night, music played and fireworks exploded. Today, Mexican Independence Day begins on the night of September 15-16 when different members of the Government – ​​including the President of the Republic – carry the national flag while addressing the population with a modified ‘grito de Dolores’ to which each speaker gives a personal touch, then a bell is rung and the National Anthem is sung. This is when the formal celebration ends and the street party begins for the National Holiday of Mexico.

In addition, on this very special date for Mexicans, meals are often prepared in such a way that they imitate the colors of the flag. Pozoles are made red, green and white – with shrimp – just as rice or tortillas are mixed with green and red sauces to honor Independence. Mexico also pays tribute to its big day through gastronomy.

The national holiday of Mexico’s Patriotic Day: street parties, mariachis and fireworks

After the ‘cry of Dolores’ the streets of Mexico’s cities are filled with celebration, flags are waved everywhere and many Mexicans can be seen wearing the country’s typical costumes to celebrate Mexico’s Independence Day in style. In addition, it is common for some of the country’s most emblematic buildings to be specially illuminated with the colors of the Mexican flag and for there to be fireworks shows, as well as concerts in the capital’s Zócalo.

This 2024, 214 years of Mexico’s independence are celebrated. VIVA MÉXICO!