During the month of September, the beautiful country of tacos, mezcal, mole, tequila, and mariachi dresses up to celebrate the anniversary of its independence from Spain. Streets throughout Mexico, especially in downtown areas of cities and towns, are filled with tricolor ornaments that resemble the green, white, and red flag.
On the night of September 15 and the early hours of September 16, Mexicans gather to celebrate with music, typical dishes, traditional drinks, and to give the “grito de independencia” (cry of independence), which commemorates the moment when the priest Miguel Hidalgo y Costilla (known as the Mexican “founding father”) rang the church bells and called the people to rise up in arms and begin the fight for freedom. This happened in Dolores Hidalgo, Guanajuato, in the early hours of September 16, 1810.
The tradition of the “Grito de Dolores” has been celebrated in Mexico since 1825 and is the main event of the celebration of independence. In the main public squares throughout the country, at 11:00 p.m. on September 15, the President of the Republic, Governors and other government officials carry the Mexican flag and deliver a modified version of the “grito” to the Mexicans gathered in applause and cheers. Then a bell is rung, the flag is waved and the national anthem is sung. Those who do not have the opportunity to attend the festivities in the plazas, usually watch the broadcast of the presidential “grito” on national television, which takes place in downtown Mexico City.
Once the ceremony is over, the celebration continues in the streets and houses throughout Mexico. Everywhere you see people with faces painted green, white and red; wearing hats and other accessories; waving flags; sounding rattles, whistles and trumpets. You dance to the rhythm of traditional music, such as mariachi, banda, norteño and huapango, among others. Typical dishes of the Mexican cuisine are tasted, highlighting the pozole, tostadas, sopes, enchiladas, tamales, mole and many more. Beer, tequila and mezcal are always there to complement the meal. The best thing about this national holiday is that every corner of the country puts its own touch, so that in different areas the dishes, music, drinks, etc. vary.
Officially, September 16 is not a working day, so schools, banks and government offices are closed. This day in the morning the celebration continues with a large military parade in Mexico City and civilian-military parades in other parts of the country.
Image source: