For 212 years, the independence of Mexico has been celebrated every September 16th. It commemorates the “Grito de Dolores of 1810” when Miguel Hidalgo cried out against Spanish oppression and in favor of Mexican Independence in the small Mexican town called Dolores.
Miguel Hidalgo was a priest in the state of Guanajuato and became a leader of the Mexican Independence Movement. He gave a speech to a group of people who gathered at his church after ringing church bells to instruct parishoners to gather. It is not known exactly what he said, but he cited several acts of Spanish oppression and urged people to rise up against it. So they did, and the battle of Guanajuato began four days later.
Hidalgo himself was executed by the Spanish in 1811, and the declaration of Independence came on September 28th., 1821. However, the speech he gave is seen as the spark that ignited the patriotic flame that eventually culminated in Mexico’s independence.
Mexico´s independence main ceremony takes place on the night of September 15th., when the Mexican President rings the bell at the palace in Mexico City, appears on the balcony before excited crowds and shouts patriotically in the tradition of the Grito de Dolores. He then names several heroes of the war for independence and ends with three consecutive cries of “Long live Mexico!” He then proceeds to ring the bells once again, wave the Mexican flag, and wait for the crowds to sing the national anthem played by a military band.
This is how we all come to know the history of our nation, and every year on the night of September 15th., millions of Mexicans commemorate this act, mainly by going to each state´s capital main square to hear the Governors do the same honors as the President or by watching the proceeds on TV, then dine with friends and family and party until the early morning of next day with lots of local foods, drinks, dance, music and fireworks.
By Rosaura Flores
Verde Olivo Inmuebles
