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With packed squares, waving flags, traditional music, and fireworks, September 15 and 16 become the heart of the Patriotic Holidays, a commemoration that remembers the start of the struggle for Mexico's Independence.
Although many people identify these dates with the traditional Cry of Independence, the reality is that each day has a particular meaning within the country's history. The independence movement began in 1810 to end the Spanish Crown's rule, but independence was not formally consummated until 1821. This year marks the anniversary of that historical process that transformed the nation's destiny.
What is celebrated on September 15 in Mexico?
On the night of September 15, the famous Grito de Dolores is commemorated, considered the act that marked the beginning of the struggle for Mexico's Independence.
According to official history, the priest Miguel Hidalgo y Costilla called on the people of Dolores to take up arms against the Viceroyalty. Using his parish church bells, he called on the population to join the insurrection and explained the reasons why they should not remain indifferent to the political situation of the time.
This historical event went down in history as The Cry (El Grito), one of the most important symbols of national identity. During that call, Hidalgo uttered phrases like:
"Long live the Catholic religion!, long live Ferdinand VII!, long live the Virgin of Guadalupe!, death to bad government!"
More than two centuries later, the tradition remains alive. Every September 15 at night, the president of Mexico leads the official ceremony from the National Palace in Mexico City, while governors, municipal presidents, and local authorities replicate the act in squares and public buildings across the country.
The celebration is usually accompanied by popular festivities, musical performances, traditional gastronomy, fireworks, and great citizen participation that turns the date into an authentic national holiday.
This is the protocol of the Cry of Independence
Currently, the ceremony follows a traditional formula that pays tribute to the main heroes of Independence:
Mexicans!
Long live the heroes who gave us our homeland!
Long live Hidalgo!
Long live Morelos!
Long live Josefa Ortiz de Domínguez!
Long live Allende!
Long live Aldama!
Long live National Independence!
Long live Mexico!
Long live Mexico!
Long live Mexico!
After these shouts, the bell is rung and the figures who led the independence struggle are honored.
What is celebrated on September 16?
While September 15 is dedicated to the Grito de Dolores, September 16 commemorates the formal beginning of the armed uprising that sought independence from the Spanish Crown.
Although the independence process officially concluded with the signing of the Declaration of Independence on September 28, 1821, the date recognized as Mexico's Independence Day is September 16, as it remembers the beginning of the struggle that lasted for more than a decade.
Fundamental historical figures participated in this movement, including:
- Miguel Hidalgo y Costilla.
- José María Morelos.
- Ignacio Allende.
- Juan Aldama.
- Vicente Guerrero.
- Josefa Ortiz de Domínguez.
- Francisco Xavier Mina.
- Agustín de Iturbide.
Currently, the day is commemorated with civil-military parades in different cities of the country. The most representative one is held in Mexico City, where members of the Armed Forces, educational institutions, and various social organizations participate. The streets are filled with patriotic colors while thousands of families enjoy cultural and gastronomic activities.
Fun facts about the Independence of Mexico
The history of Independence is also full of little-known episodes that help to better understand this period.
Mexico had two acts of independence
The Act of Independence signed on September 28, 1821, established that Mexico would be an Empire. However, after the fall of Agustín de Iturbide in 1823, the document was modified to replace the word “Empire” with “Republic,” which is why there are two versions of the act.
The original bell of Dolores is in the National Palace
The bell used by Miguel Hidalgo to call for the insurrection was moved in 1896 from Guanajuato to the National Palace by orders of President Porfirio Díaz, who wished to use the original bell during the patriotic celebrations.
Hidalgo had a much longer name
The full name of the so-called Father of the Nation was Miguel Gregorio Antonio Ignacio Hidalgo y Costilla y Gallaga Mandarte Villaseñor.
Morelos was a priest due to an inheritance
José María Morelos entered the priesthood at age 24 because a family inheritance established that condition in order to receive it.
The remains of the heroes were gathered years later
In 1823, it was ordered to recover and gather the heads and bodies of the main independence leaders executed in Chihuahua. They were subsequently moved with honors to the Metropolitan Cathedral and, decades later, taken to the Independence Column.
Spain took 15 years to recognize independence
Although Mexico consummated its independence in 1821, Spain officially recognized Mexican sovereignty fifteen years later.
The celebrations of September 15 and 16 not only remember a historical event, but also the effort of thousands of people who participated in the construction of an independent nation. Between the traditional Grito de Dolores, civil parades, and popular festivities, the Patriotic Holidays keep alive the legacy of those who promoted one of the most transcendental chapters in Mexico's history.
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