Mexican independence celebrates over 200 years of independence from Spanish colonizers and the culture this allowed to flourish. After nearly three centuries of Spanish rule, Mexico, or “New Spain” as it was called, had enough. On September 16, 1810, a speech was given by Miguel Hidalgo in the city of Delores. This fated speech, later known as The Cry of Delores, triggered the revolution that lasted nearly a decade and led to Mexico gaining its independence. 

Inspired by their neighbor’s festivities and celebrations, the Mexican people adopted American celebrations to commemorate their independence. For Mexican independence day, parades flood the streets yearly with music, dancing, flag waving, and fireworks. The most notable celebration is when the president rings the 200-year-old bell in Delores, the same one Father Hidalgo used to trigger the Mexican Revolution. After he rings this bell, the Cry of Delores speech is recited in honor of their hero and is broadcast across Mexico. 

Many believe we celebrated Mexican independence four months earlier with margaritas and dancing. This is incorrect. Contrary to popular belief, Cinco de Mayo celebrates another military victory 30 years later. The Mexican army won the Battle of Puebla and rid Mexico of Napoleon’s army, maintaining its independence from colonizers. People often confuse the two because it was not until the Battle of Puebla that Mexico’s government became organized under a democracy run by the people and not a monarch. 

Mexican Independence Day will be celebrated all this weekend with festivals and parades in San Francisco and San Jose. You can also celebrate at home by hanging flags or making Mexican dishes. Celebrate not only the independence of Mexico but also the culture and heritage deeply embedded in the Bay Area’s history. Today, we raise our glasses and toast to Mexico and its continued independence.

More Helpful Articles

Local Adventure: Hike Across San Francisco

Local Adventure: Hike Across San Francisco

Did you know you can hike across San Francisco in a day? From Candlestick Park to Baker Beach, the Crosstown Trail offers a journey through some of the city's most iconic neighborhoods. This journey covers 17 miles of the city and takes approximately 7 hours. It will...

read more
Spring Cleaning Reimagined

Spring Cleaning Reimagined

As the days grow longer and temperatures rise, spring cleaning has arrived. Contrary to popular belief, you can turn this seasonal refreshment into a fun, gratifying activity. The mood for the day starts with music. As you gear up for the day, curate a playlist of...

read more
Celebrate Pi Day in the Bay

Celebrate Pi Day in the Bay

Happy Pi Day! While 3.14 typically represents the beginning of π, it also represents National Pi Day! Pi Day, March 14 (3/14), was started in San Francisco 38 years ago by Exploratorium staff physicist, tinkerer, and media specialist Larry Shaw. Since then, Pi Day has...

read more