Independence Day in Mexico

Hey i hope you do not mind but i was wanting to write and describe what the Mexican Independence Day looks like and then I found this article so I thought why invent the wheel. I will however add our own photos soon.

El Grito (or the “cry for Independence”) is a tradition that commemorates the original grito given by pastor Miguel Hidalgo y Costilla in the town of Dolores, Guanajuato back in 1810 to gather all to join the rebellion against the Spanish colonizers. This moment marks the official beginning of the 11-year war for independence that ensued and from which Mexico came out victorious.

This original Grito is now a tradition that kicks off a two-day long country-wide celebration known as Fiestas Patrias. Mexicans gather around local plazas, TV sets, cantinas, etc to watch the President and his family live from the balcony of the National Palace in the Zocalo of Mexico City. At 11pm on September 15th, the President rings the same bell of the parish of Dolores that was used by Hidalgo–and later moved to the National Palace–and proceeds to give the Grito de Dolores. The Grito includes shouting out loud the names of the heroes of the Mexican War of Independence and ending with three uplifting ¡Viva Mexico! chants which are repeated with the most patriotic fervor by all around the country. Then, the bell rings one more time and we see the Mexican flag waving in a see of red, green and white while the air is filled with the voices of Mexicans singing their National Anthem.

The symbolism gives you chills, the fervor is contagious and the celebration ignites.

The following day, September 16, is full of more patriotic symbolism and ceremonies such as military parades, festivals and remembrances all over the country.

Last year Mexico celebrated the bicentennial anniversary of its Independence and they went all out with it. This slideshow by Life Magazine illustrates just how rich and colorful the symbolism is during these Fiestas Patrias.