Independence Day Día de la Independencia
Mexican Independence Day and The Cry of Dolores
On September 16, 1810, Father Miguel Hidalgo y Costilla rang the church bells in Dolores, Mexico, calling people to rise against Spanish rule. This moment, known as the Cry of Dolores (Grito de Dolores), sparked the Mexican War of Independence.
After over a decade of conflict, Mexico finally gained its independence from Spain on September 28, 1821. Father Hidalgo is remembered as the “Father of Mexican Independence.”
Annual Celebrations
Every September 15th, the President of Mexico reenacts Hidalgo’s call to arms from the National Palace in Mexico City, ringing the same historic bell and shouting “¡Viva México!” This is followed by fireworks, parades, mariachi music, and festive food across the country.
Many municipal presidents also enact this celebration from city squares in towns and cities throughout the republic.
Common Misconception
Many people mistakenly believe Cinco de Mayo is Mexico’s Independence Day, but that holiday actually commemorates Mexico’s victory over the French at the Battle of Puebla in 1862.