Mexican Independence Day

Even though cultural and economic ties between Canada and Mexico get stronger with each passing year, most Canadians probably aren't aware that September 16th is Mexican Independence Day or Día de la Independencia. On this date, Mexicans commemorate the Grito de la Independencia or "Shout of Independence" that was given by parish priest Miguel Hidalgo in 1810 in the small town of Dolores (now known as Dolores Hidalgo). This call to arms inspired Mexicans to overthrow their Spanish overlords in a bloody War of Independence that resulted in Mexico gaining freedom from Spain in 1821.



The biggest celebration in the country takes place in Mexico City. At 11:00 PM on September 15th, the President of Mexico steps out onto the central balcony of the National Palace that flanks Mexico City's vast main square or Zócalo. There he rings the same church bell that Father Hidalgo reportedly used to summon people in Dolores to his cause over 200 years ago. The president then issues his own grito followed by enthusiastic cries of ¡Viva Mexico! from the noisy, flag-waving crowd below. This lively scene is mirrored in cities and towns throughout the republic, and the next day is a national holiday.