During Hispanic Heritage Month, several Central and South American nations commemorate their freedom from colonial authority. Every year on September 16th, Mexicans at home and throughout the globe celebrate Mexico’s independence from colonial rule, which occurred more than two centuries ago.
When a Catholic priest in the town of Dolores, Mexico, proclaimed independence from Spain in the early 19th century, history records that date as the beginning of Mexico’s escape from Spanish domination.
The speech of a man known as Father Hidalgo is largely seen as the beginning of the end of Spanish control in Mexico, even though independence did not occur until 11 years later, in 1821.
Everything you need to know about the history and traditions of Mexico’s Independence Day is below.
When did Mexico become independent?
Eleven years after Father Hidalgo’s call to arms from the village of Dolores in the modern-day state of Guanajuato, central Mexico, to the north of Mexico City, on September 27, 1821, Mexico gained its independence.
USA Today reports that the Catholic priest rang the church bells shortly after midnight on September 16, 1810, to announce the start of his pro-independence address. The Cry of Dolores commemorates the start of the 11-year Mexican War of Independence against Spain.
According to National Geographic, Father Hidalgo rallied many people to his cause by carrying a banner depicting Mexico’s patron saint, the Virgin of Guadalupe, in the same form she appeared to Juan Diego, an indigenous Mexican who was canonized as a Catholic saint.
Despite the priest and another leader, José Mara Morelos, being murdered by Spanish authorities for calling for independence, Mexico won its freedom from Spain in 1821 when an army led by soldier Agustin de Iturbide gained possession of Mexico City.
After that, September 16 became Mexico’s independence day.
How does Mexico celebrate its Declaration of Independence?
Large-scale celebrations, including parades, concerts, and music events, are held in Mexico City, the nation’s capital, and other cities and villages around the country on this day.
On September 15, the day before the festival, the president of Mexico rings the same bell rung by Father Hidalgo in 1810 from the balcony of the National Palace, the presidential house.
The president then gives a speech based on “Grito de Dolores,” and the British Mexican Society claims that he declares “Viva México!” three times. In addition, the address honors the warriors of the Mexican War of Independence.
In addition to the festivities, Mexico City hosts a military parade.
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