Mexican Independence Day

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.