Mexico's 213th Independence Day
When is Mexico's Independence Day?
For more than 200 years, Mexico has celebrated its independence with parades and festivals on September 16th. This day marks the anniversary of “El Grito de Dolores,” which means “The Cry of Dolores.”
This patriotic holiday commemorates the events of September 16, 1810, when Father Miguel Hidalgo y Costilla, a Roman Catholic priest, rang the bell of the Dolores church and urged Mexicans to fight for their freedom.
Miguel Hidalgo: The Father of Mexican Independence
Miguel Hidalgo, a parish priest, is considered the father of Mexican independence. Impassioned by the ideals of the Enlightenment, Hidalgo led the first cry for independence and ignited the Mexican War of Independence (1810-1821).
Mexico's Fight for Independence
On the morning of September 16, 1810, in the small town of Dolores, Hidalgo delivered a sermon calling for the overthrow of Spanish rule and the end of slavery.
Hidalgo's speech sparked a rebellion that quickly spread throughout the countryside, although many historians argue that Hidalgo did not plan for such a response. Thousands of peasants and indigenous people joined the fight, and the movement quickly gained momentum.
Mexican Independence: A Long and Bloody Struggle
The Mexican War of Independence was a long and bloody conflict, lasting over a decade and claiming the lives of thousands.
Despite the challenges, the rebels eventually prevailed, and Mexico gained its independence from Spain in 1821 under the leadership of Agustín de Iturbide. The Treaty of Córdoba formally recognized Mexico as an independent nation.
Celebrating Mexican Independence Today
Today, Mexico's Independence Day is one of the most important holidays in the Mexican calendar. It is a time to reflect on the country's history and celebrate its hard-won freedom.
Celebrations typically include parades, festivals, fireworks, and traditional Mexican music and dance. The highlight of the festivities is "El Grito," a reenactment of Miguel Hidalgo's famous speech.
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