Celebrate Mexican Independence Day: Facts, Traditions, and Events Tasmiah Rashid August 27, 2024 Destinations, Hispanic American Heritage Month Every year on September 16th, Mexicans celebrate their Independence Day. This celebration commemorates the day in 1810 when Father Miguel Hidalgo, leader of the Mexican War of Independence and considered the Father of the Nation, declared Mexico’s independence from Spain. To help you join in the celebration, here are some facts, traditions, and events to get you into the independence spirit. The Facts Repeat after us: Mexican Independence Day is not on Cinco de Mayo (May 5th). Cinco de Mayo is an important milestone in Mexican history marking a very significant victory against the French forces. However, September 16, 1810 is the day that Mexico truly began their journey to independence. On this day in history, Father Hidalgo proclaimed “El Grito,” or “The Cry of Independence,” in a small town named Dolores in Guanajuato, Mexico. Hidalgo’s call to action sparked a national revolution that eventually led to Mexico’s independence from colonial Spanish rule in 1821. Today, Latinos all across the globe celebrate this heroic cry for freedom with gargantuan fiestas filled with parades, fireworks, and music! The Traditions There are four essential rules to celebrating Mexican Independence Day: Eat pozole (a traditional soup or stew made from hominy, usually with meat, and garnished with shredded lettuce or cabbage, chili peppers, onion, garlic, radishes, avocado, salsa, or limes) Drink tequila (or mezcal) Listen to mariachi music Wear Mexico’s national colors (red, white, and green) Although the holiday is officially observed on September 16th, festivities in Mexico actually start the day before. After a half day at work or school, families sprint home to begin preparations for a lavish dinner. These include numerous mouthwatering, traditional Mexican dishes such as tamales and chiles en nogada. The latter is a dish made of poblano chiles stuffed with meat and dried fruit, in Mexico flag colors). Then of course, comes the pozole. After dinner, crowds rush to the National Palace. At 11 p.m., the president of Mexico rings the bell, followed by a reenactment of the famous “El Grito.” At the end of the call, crowds erupt in three, unison shouts of “Viva Mexico!”. Fireworks go off in the background as celebrators begin to march through the streets carrying Mexican flags, blowing whistles and horns. The streets are lined with hundreds of colorful lights, balloons, streamers, flowers, and paper lanterns. And everything is decked out in the Mexican flag colors of red, white, and green. Dancing is an all-day affair. Crowds move along to the many live mariachi bands that play on the streets, in the parades, and in all various large gatherings. Others gear up in traditional garb to take part in bailes folclóricos or traditional dances. Either way, there’s tons of fun and tradition for everyone to enjoy. The Events If you’re not heading south of the border to celebrate Mexican Independence Day this year, but you still want to to be a part of the fantastic festivities, you’re in luck! Here are a few places right here in the U.S. where you can still fiesta your heart out. Phoenix, Arizona A large Hispanic population in Phoenix makes this city an ideal place to celebrate Mexican Independence Day. The annual El Grito celebration takes place in the heart of Downtown Phoenix. The free event offers live music, dance performances, carnival rides, art displays, and more. You’ll also find a variety of food vendors offering delicacies from every region in Mexico. In addition to the primary festival downtown, many restaurants and bars throughout the Valley of the Sun offer a number of special events to honor the day. You won’t want to miss soaking up all that brilliant Arizona sun (after you slather yourself with sunscreen, of course) as you celebrate this special day. Los Angeles, California L.A. is distinguished as the site of the country’s largest and oldest parade celebrating Hispanic culture. Partaking in the East Lost Angeles Mexican Independence Day Parade & Festival is the perfect way to start off Mexican Independence Day in Los Angeles. Although the guest list varies from year to year, you can count on seeing some of the country’s most celebrated figures of Hispanic culture participating in this legendary parade. You’ll also enjoy a festival that boasts Mariachi singers, craft vendors, dancing horses, and loads of fun and games in a festive atmosphere. There are also tons of celebrations held in the suburbs surrounding Los Angeles. So it’s super easy to catch an event no matter where you’re located. Houston, Texas If you’re visiting Texas in September, spend the weekend taking in the various celebrations surrounding Mexican Independence Day in Houston. The city prides itself on being home to the one of the largest El Grito events in the country. People travel to Houston from all over the U.S. to attend festivals, eat authentic Mexican cuisine, and listen to live music. The welcoming vibe will make you feel right at home, regardless of your cultural heritage. Kids will also appreciate the events geared toward their age group, including art activities and educational experiences, All of these festivities are designed to enhance their understanding of Mexico’s rich history. The local children’s museums typically offer special events to complement the many adult celebrations throughout the city. You Might Also Enjoy: Viva Mexico! These U.S. Cities Celebrate Cinco de Mayo in a Big Way! Las Vegas, Nevada Las Vegas pulls out all the stops when it comes to celebrating Mexican Independence Day. While the line-up changes every year, you can expect a number of big-name Hispanic musical stars to perform at the various Vegas venues. El Grito attracts a bevy of the most popular Latin performers from all over the world. The performances include a myriad of genres ranging from traditional mariachi music to more contemporary pop. Las Vegas also features specially curated comedy shows, dining events, and more to celebrate the holiday. If you’re looking for glitz and glamour balanced with historic relevance and a celebration of this Mexican culture, Sin City is the place to be. After all, who doesn’t love a trip to Vegas? FAQs: Q: Is Mexican Independence Day a public holiday in Mexico? A: Yes, Mexican Independence Day is a national public holiday in Mexico. Schools, businesses, and government offices are closed on September 16th to allow people to celebrate. Q: How do I find local Mexican Independence Day events in my area? A: Search online for local cultural organizations, community centers, or Mexican consulates in your area. Social media and local event platforms are also great resources for finding nearby celebrations. Q: Are these celebrations family-friendly? A: Yes, Mexican Independence Day celebrations are typically very family-friendly. Many events feature activities specifically for children, such as arts and crafts, games, and educational exhibits, making them suitable for all ages. Q: Do people outside of Mexico celebrate Mexican Independence Day? A: Yes, Mexican communities around the world often celebrate Mexican Independence Day with cultural events, parades, and traditional Mexican cuisine. Q: Can I participate in the “El Grito” in the U.S.? A: Absolutely! Many cities in the U.S. with large Mexican communities host “El Grito” reenactments on the evening of September 15th. Check local event listings for details on where and when these events will occur. Have a Mexican Independence Day celebration you’d like to add to the list? Let us know in the comments below!
