Viva México! Get ready to celebrate the land of tacos, tequila, and fiestas, because it’s time for Mexican Independence Day! Now, hold your sombreros, because it’s happening this week! If you ask a local for the official date, you’ll get varying answers… And it’s understandable. Festivities really get into full swing on the 15th of September, but the actual holiday is the 16th.
WE REPEAT: THE 16th of September! Let’s clear up a common misconception. Contrary to common belief in the US (and countries around the world) Mexican Independence Day is not the same as Cinco de Mayo, amigos. Cinco de Mayo is a holiday that commemorates the Battle of Puebla, while September 16th marks the beginning of Mexico’s struggle for independence from Spanish rule.
If you know anything about Mexico, ya know that this country knows how to throw a fiesta!
And Mexican Independence Day is no different… The party begins in the evening of the 15th, and continues into the early morning of the 16th. The festivities are filled with food, music, dancing, fireworks, and the pinnacle of the celebration- EL GRITO.
So what’s EL GRITO ( also known as El Grito de Dolores)? It’s the reenactment of the battle cry of the Mexican War of Independence from Spain. It was first shouted by Miguel Hidalgo y Costilla, parish priest of Dolores on September 16, 1810. As tradition, today EL GRITO is typically recited around midnight of the 15th heading into the 16th. It is shouted out by a local government official in the main square of the town!
The recited version goes like this:
¡Mexicanos!
¡Vivan los héroes que nos dieron patria!
¡Viva Hidalgo!
¡Viva Morelos!
¡Viva Josefa Ortiz de Domínguez!
¡Viva Allende!
¡Viva Aldama y Matamoros!
¡Viva la Independencia Nacional!
¡Viva México! ¡Viva México! ¡Viva México!
Pictures from EL GRITO here in Puerto Morelos a few years ago!
No matter where you are in Mexico on this patriotic celebration, get to the local square and witness this event! It’s truly amazing! Imagine thousands of voices shouting VIVA MEXICO! VIVA MEXICO! VIVA MEXICO! Followed by fireworks and fun.
And be sure to follow along on My Trish Advisor for local events and happenings! You know your girl will be reporting live from the events!
VIVA MEXICO, CABRONES!
