Mexican Independence Day: A Celebration of Freedom and Heritage

Mexican Independence Day, or Día de la Independencia, is a vibrant and significant holiday celebrated annually on September 16. It marks the beginning of Mexico’s fight for independence from Spanish rule, initiated by Father Miguel Hidalgo’s famous Grito de Dolores (Cry of Dolores) in 1810. This day is not to be confused with Cinco de Mayo, which commemorates a different historical event.

Quick Facts

• When is it?: September 16
• Tagged as: National holiday, patriotic celebration
• What’s the hashtag?: #MexicanIndependenceDay
• When was it founded?: 1810 (commemoration began shortly after independence in 1821)
• Who founded it?: Father Miguel Hidalgo y Costilla, with celebrations institutionalized by the Mexican government.

History of Mexican Independence Day

The struggle for independence began on September 16, 1810, when Father Hidalgo rang the church bell in Dolores and delivered a passionate speech urging Mexicans to rise against Spanish oppression. This moment sparked an 11-year war that culminated in the signing of the Treaty of Córdoba in 1821, officially recognizing Mexico as an independent nation. Father Hidalgo is remembered as the “Father of the Nation,” and his Grito de Dolores is reenacted annually by the President of Mexico.

Timeline

• 1500s: Spain colonizes Mexico, renaming it New Spain.
• September 16, 1810: Father Hidalgo delivers the Grito de Dolores, initiating the war for independence.
• 1811: Father Hidalgo is captured and executed; other leaders continue the fight.
• 1821: Mexico achieves independence with the signing of the Treaty of Córdoba.
• 1824: Mexico adopts its first constitution as a republic.

Dates by Next Year (2025 to 2030)

Year	Month and Date	Day
2025	September 16	Tuesday
2026	September 16	Wednesday
2027	September 16	Thursday
2028	September 16	Saturday
2029	September 16	Sunday
2030	September 16	Monday

Observed

Mexican Independence Day is celebrated with parades, fireworks, traditional music, dances, and feasts. The festivities begin on the evening of September 15 with a reenactment of the Grito de Dolores by local leaders and the President of Mexico. Streets are adorned with red, white, and green decorations—the colors of the Mexican flag.

Fun Facts About Mexican Independence Day

• The celebration spans two days (September 15–16), with festivities starting at night.
• The Mexican flag’s colors symbolize independence (green), religion (white), and union (red).
• Traditional dishes like chiles en nogada are enjoyed during this time.
• It is celebrated globally in cities with large Mexican communities.

Quiz

1. What date marks Mexican Independence Day?
2. Who delivered the Grito de Dolores?
3. What year did Mexico achieve independence?
4. What colors are on the Mexican flag?

(Answers:)

1. September 16
2. Father Miguel Hidalgo y Costilla
3. 1821
4. Red, white, and green

FAQs

• Is Mexican Independence Day the same as Cinco de Mayo?
  No, Cinco de Mayo commemorates Mexico’s victory over France at the Battle of Puebla in 1862.
• Why is September 16 significant?
  It marks the day Father Hidalgo called for revolution against Spanish rule in 1810.

Related

• Cinco de Mayo vs. Independence Day
• History of Latin American independence movements
• Traditional Mexican cuisine
• National holidays around the world