Independence Day (Mexico)
Mexico's Independence Day isn't just a holiday; it's a vibrant, two-day national celebration deeply rooted in a pivotal moment of defiance against colonial rule. While the official date is September 16, the main festivities actually begin the evening before with a powerful tradition known as 'El Grito de Dolores.' This powerful call to arms sparked a war that fundamentally shaped a nation, and its echoes still resonate in homes and plazas across Mexico and beyond. Mexico's Independence Day celebrations famously kick off on the evening of September 15th with the presidential 'Grito de Dolores,' a re-enactment of the historic call to rebellion. The journey to Mexican independence was a long, complex struggle, culminating in the formal declaration of sovereignty in 1821, years after the initial uprising. The modern observance of Independence Day is a spectacular display of national pride, featuring parades, music, fireworks, and a powerful sense of unity, especially in Mexico City's Zócalo.
AI Summary
Mexico's Independence Day isn't just a holiday; it's a vibrant, two-day national celebration deeply rooted in a pivotal moment of defiance against colonial rule. While the official date is September 16, the main festivities actually begin the evening before with a powerful tradition known as 'El Grito de Dolores.' This powerful call to arms sparked a war that fundamentally shaped a nation, and its echoes still resonate in homes and plazas across Mexico and beyond.
- Mexico's Independence Day celebrations famously kick off on the evening of September 15th with the presidential 'Grito de Dolores,' a re-enactment of the historic call to rebellion.
- The journey to Mexican independence was a long, complex struggle, culminating in the formal declaration of sovereignty in 1821, years after the initial uprising.
- The modern observance of Independence Day is a spectacular display of national pride, featuring parades, music, fireworks, and a powerful sense of unity, especially in Mexico City's Zócalo.
The Spark of a Nation: El Grito de Dolores
Our story begins not on the official Independence Day, but on the eve of September 16, 1810. In the small town of Dolores, a humble priest named Miguel Hidalgo y Costilla rang his church bell, issuing a passionate call to arms—'El Grito de Dolores'—urging the people to rise against Spanish colonial rule. This courageous act ignited the Mexican War of Independence.
For three centuries, Mexico, then known as New Spain, had been under the thumb of the Spanish Empire. Hidalgo's 'Grito' was a desperate yet powerful plea for liberty, galvanizing peasants, indigenous communities, and mestizos, who had long suffered under the colonial system. It was the moment a sleeping nation began to stir.
The Long Road to Freedom
Though Hidalgo's initial rebellion was ultimately suppressed and he was executed, his 'Grito' had set an unstoppable force in motion. The fight for independence continued for over a decade, evolving through various leaders and phases, until a decisive moment arrived years later.
On September 27, 1821, the Army of the Three Guarantees, led by Agustín de Iturbide, triumphantly marched into Mexico City. This grand entrance marked the official conclusion of the brutal Mexican War of Independence, finally bringing an end to centuries of Spanish domination.
The very next day, on September 28, Iturbide swiftly established the Supreme Provisional Government Junta, tasked with laying the groundwork for the newly independent nation. This body of 38 prominent individuals, including religious and legal figures, began the monumental work of shaping Mexico's future.
That same afternoon, the Junta gathered at the National Palace to draft one of the most significant documents in Mexican history: the Declaration of Independence of the Mexican Empire. This formal statement articulated the new nation's freedom and aspirations.
The declaration powerfully asserted that 'The Mexican Nation, which for three hundred years has had neither its own will nor free use of its voice, emerges today from the oppression under which it has lived.' It proclaimed Mexico a sovereign nation, independent from Spain, ready to forge its own destiny and establish relations with other powers.
To ensure everyone knew about this momentous shift, the first Political Leader of Mexico City, Ramón Gutiérrez del Mazo, ordered the immediate publication and circulation of the Act of Independence. From the highest courts to the smallest villages, the news of freedom spread like wildfire across the land.
A Nation Celebrates
The very first celebration of September 16th as an independence holiday took place in 1812, just two years after Hidalgo's Grito, in Huichapan, Hidalgo. It quickly gained official status, cemented in the Constitution of Apatzingán and ratified in subsequent conventions, with the first national celebration occurring in 1825.
Today, 'El Grito de Dolores' has ascended to almost mythical status, becoming the defining symbol of Mexican independence and the traditional kickoff for the September 16th festivities. It's a day of profound national pride, filled with parades, concerts, and vibrant patriotic displays across the country.
The Presidential Grito at the National Palace
The epicenter of the celebrations is Mexico City. Every September 15th, just before 11 p.m., the President of Mexico steps onto the balcony of the National Palace. With millions watching nationwide, they ring the very same bell that Father Hidalgo rang in 1810—a powerful, tangible link to the past.
Then, the President delivers a passionate shout of patriotism, known as a 'Grito Mexicano,' echoing Hidalgo's original call. They invoke the names of the brave heroes of the War of Independence, honoring those who fought and sacrificed for freedom, before concluding with the resounding triple cry of '¡Viva México!'
Below, in the vast Plaza de la Constitución—the Zócalo—a crowd of up to half a million spectators, both Mexicans and tourists from around the world, gathers to witness this historic moment. As the President shouts '¡Viva(n)!,' the enormous crowd roars back in unison, creating an electrifying wave of collective affirmation.
Following the Grito, the President rings the bell again and proudly waves the Mexican flag to thunderous applause. A military band then plays the stirring Mexican National Anthem, which the crowd sings with heartfelt passion, eyes fixed on the flag.
The ceremonies culminate in a breathtaking spectacle of fireworks illuminating the Zócalo sky, often synchronized with traditional Mexican music. In recent years, elaborate projection mapping has also transformed the facades of the National Palace and the magnificent Mexico City Metropolitan Cathedral into canvases of light and history.
The next morning, on September 16th, the celebration continues with a grand national military parade. Thousands of service members march from the Zócalo, past iconic landmarks like the Angel of Independence, showcasing the strength and unity of the Mexican Armed Forces.
Traditions and Adaptations
While the core tradition remains, the Grito often sees slight variations from year to year. Presidents may add a 'personal touch,' reflecting current national sentiments or simply opting for a shorter or longer recitation, making each Grito unique to its time.
Occasionally, the presidential Grito is not re-enacted at the National Palace, but rather in Dolores Hidalgo, Guanajuato—the very place where it originated. This special tradition is particularly common during a president's final year in office, offering a symbolic return to the roots of independence.
Over the years, the Grito has also sometimes become a stage for political expression. In 2016, protests against the Institutional Revolutionary Party attempted to disrupt the Zócalo ceremony, and in 2006, a major demonstration meant the Grito couldn't be delivered to the usual massive crowd. Even the COVID-19 pandemic led to a remote, audience-free Grito in 2020.
Celebrations Beyond the Capital
The spirit of the Grito resonates far beyond Mexico City. Similar heartfelt celebrations take place in cities and towns across Mexico, led by governors and municipal presidents. The ritual of ringing a bell, reciting the heroes' names, and shouting '¡Viva México!' unites communities nationwide.
Mexican embassies and consulates around the globe also host their own Independence Day events, sharing the vibrant culture and history with international audiences. Even in schools throughout Mexico, students and faculty participate in smaller-scale reenactments, ensuring the tradition is passed down through generations.
Mexican Pride in the United States
In the United States, especially in areas with large Mexican and Hispanic American populations, Mexican Independence Day is a significant cultural event. Cities like Las Vegas transform into hubs of Mexican culture, hosting concerts, festivals, and sporting events that draw visitors from across the continent.
This cultural resonance is so strong that National Hispanic Heritage Month in the U.S. actually begins on September 15th, intentionally aligning with Mexico's Independence Day and other Latin American independence celebrations. It's a time to acknowledge and celebrate the rich contributions of Hispanic cultures.
A unique tradition tied to this weekend, particularly in Las Vegas, is major boxing cards featuring top Mexican fighters. Legends like Julio César Chávez established this tradition in the 1990s, and it has been proudly carried on by champions such as Oscar De La Hoya and Canelo Álvarez, adding a thrilling sporting dimension to the festivities.
This fighting tradition has even extended to mixed martial arts, with the UFC launching 'Noche UFC' events on Independence Day weekend. These shows proudly feature Mexican and Mexican-American fighters, celebrating their heritage and achievements in the octagon, making it a weekend of both historical remembrance and electrifying competition.
Article
Independence Day (Mexico)
Independence Day of Mexico (Spanish: Día de la Independencia de México) is celebrated on 16 September, although the main celebrations, such as Cry of Dolores ("El Grito de Dolores") take place on the evening of 15 September. This date marks the beginning of the Mexican War of Independence in 1810, when Miguel Hidalgo y Costilla called for rebellion against the Spanish Empire. It was given the status of a national holiday in the Constitution of Apatzingán, ratified by the conventions of 1822 and 1824, and first celebrated nationally in 1825.
The holiday is celebrated throughout the country with patriotic celebrations, music, food, and the traditional Grito at the National Palace.
Background
Independence Day (Mexico)
On 27 September 1821, the Army of the Three Guarantees, led by Agustín de Iturbide, entered Mexico City, thus concluding the Mexican War of Independence. On 28 September, Iturbide installed the Supreme Provisional Government Junta, composed of 38 people and presided over by Antonio Pérez Martínez Robles, Bishop of Puebla de los Ángeles, and Juan José Espinosa de los Monteros and José Rafael Suárez Pereda as secretaries. The junta immediately proceeded to elect the five members of the Regency of the Empire. The Regency was composed of Iturbide, who would preside, Juan O'Donoju, Manuel de la Bárcena, José Isidro Yáñez, and Manuel Velázquez de León.
On 13 October of the same year, the first Political Leader of Mexico City, Ramón Gutiérrez del Mazo, ordered the publication of the proclamation with the Act of Independence for the first time so that the entire population would be aware of the great event, especially the Courts, Chiefs, Governors and other civil and military authorities, so that they in turn would have them published and circulated throughout the nation.
Content
Independence Day (Mexico)
On the afternoon of 28 September, the members of the Junta met at the National Palace to draft the Declaration of Independence of the newly independent nation.
Act of Independence of the Mexican Empire, pronounced by the Sovereign Junta assembled in the Capital on September 28, 1821. The Mexican Nation, which for three hundred years has had neither its own will nor free use of its voice, emerges today from the oppression under which it has lived. The heroic efforts of its children have been crowned, and the eternally memorable enterprise is accomplished, which a genius, surpassing all admiration and praise, for the love and glory of his homeland, began in Iguala, continued, and carried to completion, overcoming almost insurmountable obstacles. This part of the North, therefore, restored to the exercise of all the rights granted to it by the Author of Nature and recognized as inalienable and sacred by the cultured nations of the earth; free to constitute itself in the manner most conducive to its happiness; and with representatives who can express its will and designs; begins to make use of such precious gifts, and solemnly declares, through the Supreme Junta of the Empire, that it is a sovereign nation, independent of the former Spain, with whom, henceforth, it will maintain no union other than that of a close friendship, under the terms prescribed by treaties; that it will establish friendly relations with the other powers and carry out whatever acts the other sovereign nations can and are in a position to permit; that it will be constituted, in accordance with the bases that the First Chief of the Imperial Army of the Three Guarantees wisely established in the Plan of Iguala and the Treaty of Córdoba; and finally, that it will uphold, at all costs, and with the sacrifice of the assets and lives of its individuals (if necessary) this solemn declaration, made in the capital of the Empire on September 28, 1821, the first year of Mexican Independence.
National holiday
Independence Day (Mexico)
The Cry of Dolores has assumed an almost mythical status. Since the late 20th century, the event has come to symbolize Mexican independence and to initiate Independence Day ceremonies the following day (16 September). Independence Day in Mexico is a patriotic holiday marked by parades, concerts, patriotic programs, drum and bugle and marching band competitions, and special programs on national and local media outlets.
Presidential celebration at Mexico City
President Claudia Sheinbaum at the National Palace balcony during the Grito in Mexico City, 15 September 2025
Every 15 September at around 11 p.m., the president of Mexico stands on the balcony of the National Palace in Mexico City and rings the same bell Hidalgo rang in 1810, which was moved to the National Palace. The president then recites a shout of patriotism (a Grito Mexicano) based upon the "Grito de Dolores", with the names of the important heroes of the Mexican War of Independence who were there on that historic day. The Grito ends with the threefold shout of ¡Viva México!
The Grito often differs slightly from year to year to reflect recent sentiments or a preference by the president for a shorter or longer shout. This is the version usually recited by the president of Mexico:
Beneath the balcony of the National Palace, there is a large crowd in the Plaza de la Constitución (also called the Zócalo) to hear the recitation. The event draws up to half a million spectators from all over Mexico and tourists worldwide. After the president recites each line beginning with "¡Viva(n)!", the crowd responds by repeating, "¡Viva(n)!"
After the recitation, the president rings the bell and waves the flag of Mexico to the crowd's applause.
This is followed by the playing of the Mexican national anthem by a military band from the Mexican Armed Forces, with the crowd singing along. The ceremonies conclude with a spectacular fireworks display at the Zócalo grounds which are fired along traditional mexican music. In more recent years, projection mapping has also been used over the National Palace as well as over the facade of the Cathedral.
On the morning of 16 September, or Independence Day, the national military parade in honor of the holiday starts in the Zócalo and its outskirts, passes the Hidalgo Memorial, and ends on the Paseo de la Reforma, Mexico City's main boulevard, passing the "Ángel de la Independencia" memorial column and other places along the way.
Recent exceptions
Grito de Dolores, 16 September 1810
Our Lady of Sorrows Parish in Dolores Hidalgo, Guanajuato, Mexico
The Grito is not always re-enacted at the National Palace; some years, it is performed in Dolores Hidalgo, Guanajuato, where it originally happened. This is especially common in the final year of a president's term.
President Felipe Calderón made an exception by re-enacting the Grito in Dolores Hidalgo as part of the bicentennial celebrations on 16 September 2010, even though he had already done so the night before from the National Palace balcony to launch the celebrations. As a result, in 2012, Calderón's final year as president, he did not go to Dolores Hidalgo but gave the Grito from the National Palace balcony instead. President Enrique Peña Nieto did not perform the Grito in Dolores Hidalgo in his six years as president, becoming the fourth president to break the tradition.
Many presidents add their "personal touch" to the Grito, and this can be controversial. President Vicente Fox frequently took liberties with it, adding and removing items, addressing Mexicans of both genders, and wishing long life to "our agreements" in 2001. Peña Nieto gave "vivas" to victims of earthquakes in 2017.
During Peña Nieto's presidency, the Grito became an occasion for political protest against him and his Institutional Revolutionary Party (PRI). On 15 September 2016, thousands of citizens marched, yelled, and carried signs. They tried to enter the Zócalo during the Grito but were blocked by a wall of soldiers. News outlets within Mexico failed to acknowledge the protest. The event was well-attended, but opponents charged that the PRI brought acarreados (poor people or hand-picked party members) as a fake show of support.
The Grito was also disrupted in 2006 by a demonstration called the plantón. Crowds loyal to losing candidate Andrés Manuel López Obrador protested alleged irregularities in the just-concluded general election, and the Grito could not be delivered at the Zócalo but was spoken at the National Palace. López Obrador won the presidency in (/wiki/2018Mexicangeneralelection).
In 2020, the COVID-19 pandemic caused the Grito to be done remotely.
The Grito by governors and municipal presidents
Municipal president giving the grito of "¡Viva México!" at the commencement of Independence Day festivities at 11 p.m. on 16 September 2008 in Ixmiquilpan, Hidalgo
Similar celebrations to the presidential one occur in cities and towns throughout Mexico, as well as Mexican embassies and consulates worldwide on 15 or 16 September. The chief executive, ambassador, or consul rings a bell and recites the traditional words, including the names of independence heroes and local patriots, and ends with the threefold shout of ¡Viva México! The bell rings again, the Mexican flag is waved, and everyone sings the National Anthem, followed by fireworks. There are also celebrations in schools throughout Mexico, and in these cases, whenever the bell ringing is reenacted, the school or university head utters the traditional words. Celebrations also take place outside of Mexico, such as in U.S. states that have a large concentration of people of Mexican heritage who celebrate the holiday.
Confusion regarding Cinco de Mayo
Independence Day (Mexico)
Contrary to common misconception in the U.S., Cinco de Mayo is not Mexico's "Independence Day", but rather commemorates the victory of Mexican Republican forces over French forces in the first Battle of Puebla on 5 May 1862. In the battle fought there the following year the French forces were the victor.
In contrast to Independence Day, described above, Cinco de Mayo is observed mostly at a local level in Puebla State and is a minor Bank Holiday in the rest of Mexico. Many labor unions have negotiated to have the day off, however, since its proximity to Labor Day (1 May) often allows an extended five-day weekend or two consecutive three-day weekends. The first observance of Cinco de Mayo was in Los Angeles, California, in 1863. The observance sought to boost the spirits of American and Mexican residents during the dark days of the American Civil War and the Franco-Mexican War. Puebla would not hold its own celebrations until after the French were driven out of the city a few years later.