Mexican Independence Day

Parades, dancing, celebration and fireworks.

The Mexican flag can be seen on buildings and in public squares across all cities.

Several spots feature flower decorations in the colours red, white and green – the colours of the Mexican flag.

Calls of “Viva Mexico – viva la independencia” can be heard from the crowds in the streets.

This is Mexico’s Independence Day – one of the most important holidays of the year.

The history of the Independence Day

16 September is Mexico’s Independence Day.

On this day in 1810, the Mexican people started their revolution against the Spanish authorities that had been colonising the country since 1521.

A priest by the name of Hidalgo was planning a revolt against the Spanish government. On 15 September 1810, Hidalgo found out that the Spanish government had gotten wind of the uprising. Early in the morning on 16 September 1810, Hidalgo held a speech in the small town of Dolores, in which he encouraged Mexicans to fight against Spanish rule.

In the speech, he is said to have called: “Viva México! Viva la Independencia! Vivan los héroes!” (“Long live Mexico! Long live independence! Long live the heroes!”), after which he rang the church bells to signal that the revolution against the Spanish rule was to begin.

The fight for independence lasted until 27 September 1821, when Mexico again became independent after 300 years of Spanish rule.

How is the day celebrated in Mexico?

Independence Day is actually celebrated over two days.

Each year on 15 September, the day before Independence Day, Mexico’s current president calls out Hidalgo’s battle cry from the balcony of the National Palace in Mexico City. The re-enactment is called El Grito de Dolores.

Although Hidalgo’s original battle cry took place in the morning of 16 September, Mexicans have re-enacted Hidalgo’s battle cry on 15 September since 1910. The new tradition arose when president Porfirio Díaz held El Grito Dolores on his own birthday, 15 September, the day before Independence Day.

For this event, approximately half a million people gather at the centre of Mexico City every year.

The day after, 16 September, on Independence Day itself, you can also hear the battle cry shouted by inhabitants in the streets of Mexico.

This is a day of celebration.

All over Mexico are parades and bands, marching and playing music.

People are dressed in green, white and red – the colours of the Mexican flag. In some places you can experience traditional folk dances in traditional clothes.

Where should you celebrate the day?

Independence Day is a holiday that is celebrated all over Mexico.

In the evening of 15 September, head to the centre of the city you are in. The head of each Mexican city holds a speech and re-enacts Hidalgo’s battle cry around the city centre.

The biggest group of people can be found at the centre of Mexico City. Here you can find fireworks, the national anthem, and a speech from the Mexican president.

All speeches start at 11 p.m. on 15 September, but it is a good idea to arrive earlier to take part in the festivities.

What do you eat on Independence Day?

Quite a lot of tequila is consumed on the national day. If that’s not your cup of tea, you have excellent opportunities to shop from the many food stalls set up in Mexico City and other towns on the occasion of the Independence Day.

The stalls sell many delightful traditional Mexican dishes, punch and Mexican sweets.

One particularly popular dish is chiles en nogada. The dish is made from grilled green poblano peppers filled with a mix of meat and dry fruit. A white walnut sauce is poured over the dish and it is garnished with red pomegranate seeds. The dish has the same colours as the Mexican flag and has therefore become a popular food for the Mexican Independence Day.

Want to experience Mexico’s Independence Day?

Mexico’s Independence Day is a holiday in Mexico. The day is celebrated all over the country, and even outside its borders.

If you wish to experience this festive atmosphere with celebrations at every street corner and traditional food and music in the cities of Mexico, then take a look at our tours to Mexico and find your dream holiday.

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