Viva México! Celebrating Mexican Independence Day!. When is Mexican Independence Day and How to Celebrate. Every year, on the 16th of September, Mexicans and people around the world come together to commemorate Mexican Independence Day – a day of immense historical significance and vibrant celebrations.
This day marks the beginning of Mexico’s fight for freedom from Spanish colonial rule and the birth of a sovereign nation.
When is Mexican Independence Day
Mexican Independence Day falls on the 16th of September every year. In 2023, Mexican Independence Day will be observed on a Saturday.
How to Celebrate:
Mexican Independence Day is a joyous occasion filled with various festivities, cultural events, and patriotic displays. Here are some ways to celebrate:
Grito de Dolores: The celebrations typically begin on the night of September 15th with “El Grito” (the Cry) reenactment, where the President of Mexico or local officials reenact Miguel Hidalgo’s cry for independence, followed by shouts of “¡Viva México!” from the crowd.
Parades and Festivals: Cities and towns across Mexico hold parades, concerts, and festivals featuring traditional music, dance, and vibrant displays of Mexican culture.
Traditional Food: Enjoy delicious Mexican cuisine, including dishes like tamales, enchiladas, chiles en nogada, and of course, a variety of tacos.
Decorations: Decorate your surroundings with the colors of the Mexican flag – green, white, and red. Hang papel picado (colorful paper banners) to add a festive touch.
Music and Dance: Listen to mariachi music and participate in traditional dances like the Jarabe Tapatío (Mexican Hat Dance).
When is Mexican Independence Day 2023 2024 2025? Upcoming Dates:
Looking ahead, here are the dates for the coming years:
When is Mexican Independence Day 2023
Mexican Independence Day 2023 takes place on Saturday, September 16, 2023.
When is Mexican Independence Day 2024
Mexican Independence Day 2024 takes place on Monday, September 16, 2024.
When is Mexican Independence Day 2025
Mexican Independence Day 2025 takes place on Tuesday, September 16, 2025.
- 2026: September 16, Wednesday
- 2027: September 16, Thursday
- 2028: September 16, Saturday
- 2029: September 16, Sunday
- 2030: September 16, Monday
Where to Celebrate:
You can celebrate Mexican Independence Day in Mexico and in Mexican communities around the world. In Mexico, cities like Mexico City, Puebla, and Guanajuato hold grand celebrations.
In the United States, cities with significant Mexican populations, such as Los Angeles, Chicago, and San Antonio, also host lively events.
About Mexican Independence Day
On September 16, Mexicans around the globe will celebrate the anniversary of the country’s independence from Spain. The day is marked by a national holiday in Mexico, a reenactment of a historic moment from the revolution’s leader, and an array of performances from fireworks to dance routines.
Often confused with Cinco de Mayo by people living in the United States, Mexico’s independence day actually marks the moment in 1810 when Miguel Hidalgo y Costilla, a Catholic priest known as Father Hidalgo, made the first cry for independence. After a moving speech in the Mexican town of Dolores, Hidalgo took up the banner of the Virgin of Guadalupe, a Roman Catholic image of the Virgin Mary as she appears to Juan Diego, an indigenous Mexican believer who was later sainted by the church.
“Independence commemorates the beginning [of the struggle],” says Elena Albarrán, associate professor of history and global and intercultural studies at Miami University in Ohio. “In this case, you celebrate the moment of insurgency, the possibility, and the hope.”
nationalgeographic
Is Cinco de Mayo Mexico’s Independence Day?
Cinco de Mayo is not Mexico’s Independence Day.
Mexico’s Independence Day occurs on September 16 each year, the anniversary of the Grito de Dolores, a speech and battle cry uttered by Roman Catholic priest Miguel Hidalgo y Costilla in 1810 that inspired the movement that ultimately freed Mexico from Spanish rule.
Cinco de Mayo marks the anniversary of the Battle of Puebla, a victory over the French by Mexican forces that occurred more than a half century later, on May 5, 1862.
britannica
Fact about Mexican Independence Day:
The Mexican War of Independence was ignited by Miguel Hidalgo’s famous speech, known as “El Grito de Dolores,” which called for an uprising against Spanish colonial rule.
The struggle for independence lasted for years and saw the contributions of various leaders, including José María Morelos and Vicente Guerrero, culminating in Mexico finally gaining its independence on September 27, 1821.
So, whether you’re in Mexico or abroad, Mexican Independence Day is a time to embrace the rich history, culture, and spirit of this incredible nation. ¡Viva México!