Photo © Suzanne Barbezat
Mexican Independence Day is this weekend, and Mexicans celebrate the holiday in a special way, symbolically re-enacting the Grito de Dolores (Cry of Dolores) that Miguel Hidalgo gave in 1810, when he called to the people to rise up against the Spanish Crown, thus initiating the Mexican War of Independence. Independence Day is September 16 (not Cinco de Mayo!), but crowds gather on the night of the 15th in town squares across the country to shout: "¡Viva México!" On the following morning there are civic parades and other events. Since this year the holiday falls on a Sunday, many people will have Monday off, making it a three-day weekend.
If you're spending the holiday in Mexico, you should head to the main plaza or town square of the city you're in to take part in el grito. See Where to Celebrate El Grito. But even if you're not in Mexico, you can still commemorate the occasion. Here are some ideas: Ten Ways to Celebrate Mexican Independence.
Learn more about the history and customs surrounding Mexican Independence Day. ¡Viva México!