On September 16, 1810, priest Miguel Hidalgo delivered a speech calling for independence in Dolores, Guanajuato, marking the beginning of the struggle for independence from Spain. This event is the origin of Mexican Independence Day. The War of Independence was long, and Mexico achieved independence from Spain in 1821. This day is one of the most important holidays celebrated throughout Mexico.
What kind of country is it?
Mexico is a country located in the southern part of North America. Home to numerous ruins from ancient civilizations such as the Maya and Aztec, the country is rich in diverse history and culture. The people are known for their cheerful nature and for valuing bonds with family and friends. The country is vast, with vastly different climates and landscapes, from the deserts of the north to the tropical rainforests of the south and beautiful Caribbean resorts.
Pitten TRAVEL:
Watch Mexico on Video
More Information
Mexico celebrates Independence Day every year on September 16th. The War of Independence is said to have begun early on the morning of September 16th, 1810, but celebrations now traditionally begin the evening of September 15th.
On this night, re-enactments of the speech known as "El Grito de Dolores" (The Cry of Dolores) are held in major squares across Mexico. This event is said to commemorate the moment Father Miguel Hidalgo, who initiated the War of Independence, called on the people to rise up in revolt while ringing the church bells of Dolores Hidalgo, Guanajuato. While the historical details are disputed, this event is considered a symbol of Mexican independence.
In Mexico City, the president traditionally reenacts the "Cry of Dolores" from the balcony of the National Palace overlooking the Zócalo Square. The president shouts "¡Viva!", reciting the names of independence heroes and tributes to the country, with the crowd in the square responding with a unified "¡Viva!". While the details vary slightly from year to year, the parade always ends with a three-fold chant of "¡Viva México!". A spectacular fireworks display follows the ceremony, and in many cities, celebrations continue late into the night.
The following day, September 16th, a large-scale military parade (Desfile Militar) is held in the center of Mexico City. Every year, soldiers, cavalry, and vehicles march from the Zócalo Square down major thoroughfares (usually Paseo de la Reforma). Crowds of citizens gather along the roads, creating a festive atmosphere.
During this period, the entire city is decorated in the green, white, and red colors of the Mexican flag. Public buildings, homes, and streets are decorated, and depending on the event, people can be seen dressed in traditional costumes. Special dishes are also prepared to celebrate the occasion. One dish that is particularly representative of this time of year is "Chiles en Nogada." It consists of green chili peppers stuffed with minced meat and fruit, topped with a white walnut sauce and sprinkled with red pomegranates, representing the three colors of the national flag. The dish is said to have been created by nuns as a tribute to heroes of the War of Independence, or to commemorate independence, but there are various theories about its exact origins. *Created with Gemini 2.5 Flash / Tested with ChatGPT
References
・Mexico Tourism Co., Ltd.
https://www.otoa.com/news_detail.php?code=40484
・MEXI TOWN
https://www.mexi-town.com/post/diadelaindependencia
・Cultura Genial
https://www.culturagenial.com/es/grito-de-dolores/