All you need to know about Mexican Independence Day
by Viridiana Marin Marin
Mexican Independence Day has been celebrated for more than 200 years on the 15th and 16th of September. This celebration full of food, fiesta and traditions, gathering all mexicans far and wide in one sigle shout: ‘Viva Mexico’.
Why Mexico’s Independence Day is known as “el Grito”?
When the church bells rang in the city called “Dolores Hidalgo” in the state of Guanajuato the night of September 15th 1810, all the villagers came to see what was happening. The history documents that the priest Miguel Hidalgo y Costilla incited them to rise up against the Spanish government by shouting: “Mexicanos, Viva Mexico”, “Viva la Virgen de Guadalupe”, “Muera el mal Gobierno”.
The tradition of shout “Viva Mexico” is deep-rooted in the memory of Mexicans and has been repeated every year since the first celebration in 1812. “El Grito de Independencia” is one of the most important historical events in Mexico that point out the beginning of the fight for the independence of Mexico.
The Mexican Independence day is the perfect excuse to know more about mexican identity, culture and symbols. This fiesta mexicana recreates the night in which Miguel Hidalgo incited the inhabitants to take up arms against the Spanish Crown.
How do Mexicans celebrate “el Grito de Independencia”?
On September 15, people gather in the Zocalo square in Mexico City, the colors of the mexican flag: green, white and red, sprinkle the decoration of houses and the streets where everyone dance and sing Mexican music, and eat Mexican patriotic and traditional dishes and drinks with family and friends.
The President of the nation rings the same bell that Miguel Hidalgo rang from National Palace, and waves the Mexican flag while he is shouting “Viva Mexico”. The event is broadcast live so the whole nation can see it and shout together from anywhere in Mexico and the world.
September 16, is a bank holiday and is celebrated with a military parade with the participation of the elements of the armed forces to pay homage to the heroes who fought for Mexico’s Independence.
Without a doubt, the Fiesta of Mexican Independence day is the best way to know more about Mexican traditWithout a doubt, the Fiesta of Mexican Independence day is the best way to appreciate Mexican traditions and to understand Mexican identity, but above all, the opportunity to be pride of being Mexican.
Tell us how do you going to celebrate this day?
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