Mexican Independence Day 2023- History & Celebration of Independence Day of Mexico

Every year, September 16 is observed by the people of Mexico as their Independence Day. The day commemorates the ringing of the church bell by Roman Catholic priest Miguel Hidalgo y Costilla which triggered the Mexican War of Independence. It is also known as the “Cry of Dolores” or “El Grito de Independencia” (the Independence Cry) by the locals. For more interesting details related to the Mexican Independence Day 2023 such as its importance, history, celebration, etc, read this full article.

Mexican Independence Day Upcoming Events

Below mentioned are the upcoming dates for Mexican Independence Day for the next 5 years.

Mexican Independence Day 2023 Overview

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History of Mexican Independence Day

The history of Mexican Independence Day traces back to the 1800s when Mexico was known as New Spain and was under Spanish colonial rule for over 300 years. In 1810, Mexican independence advocate José Bernardo Gutiérrez de Lara went to the small town of Dolores (now Dolores Hidalgo) to ask the local Roman Catholic priest to raise the voice for the country’s independence. The priest Miguel Hidalgo initiated the effort to free New Spain from Spanish control on 16 September 1810 around 2:30 am by ordering the church bells to be rung and gathering his congregation. He gathered people in front of his church and urged them to revolt against the colonial rule in a speech that came to be known popularly as the “Cry of Dolores”.

Motivated by the speech, the people came in support of Gutiérrez de Lara who Mexico to victory after fighting for 11 years. The independence was finally achieved by Mexico 11 years and 12 days later, on 28 September 1821 but it was the first cry for independence on 16 September that came to be celebrated as Mexican Independence Day. The first celebration was held in 1812 in Hidalgo and it became a national holiday and celebrated nationally in 1825.

How is Mexican Independence Day celebrated?

On the eve of Mexican Independence Day every year, i.e. 15 September, the President of Mexico re-enacts the cry of independence from the balcony of the National Palace in Mexico City followed by the ringing of the bell. This is followed by a patriotic speech in which the names of the fallen heroes in the war of independence are called out and “Viva Mexico!” is shouted three times at the end. After the speech, the Mexican national anthem is played. This is followed by a series of events like parades, concerts, patriotic programs, etc carried out by the people of Mexico. Other than this, people also celebrate this day with decorations, fireworks, fiestas, dance, music, food, etc throughout Mexico.

Celebrations also take place outside of Mexico, especially in those states of the US that have a large number of people of Mexican heritage. Similarly, celebrations also occur at the Mexican embassies and consulates all over the world on the occasion of Mexican Independence Day.

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Interesting Facts Related to the Independence of Mexico

Check out a few interesting facts about Mexico’s independence:

1. Mexico sought independence from colonial rule after being enslaved for 300 years.
2. Spain took control of Mexico in the early 1500s and renamed it New Spain.
3. It took the Mexicans 11 years to gain independence from the Spaniards.
4. Mexican Independence Day is a 2-day celebration carried out on 15 and 16 September.
5. Miguel Hidalgo y Costilla is considered the father of Mexican independence.
6. Hidalgo was declared guilty of treason by a military court and tortured and executed one year after the revolt began, i.e., in 1811.
7. The exact words Miguel Hidalgo said at the time of his speech at the church are unknown.

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