El Grito: Mexico's Independence Day

Mexico's Independence Day is celebrated on 16 September, one of the most important dates in the national calendar, as it commemorates the start of the historical process that culminated in the country's independence. To avoid confusion, it is worth distinguishing three key moments:

• 15 September: the national holidays begin.
• Night of 15 to 16 September: the official Grito de Independencia ceremony takes place.
• 16 September: Mexico's Independence Day is officially celebrated, one of the country's main festivities and a national holiday.

Furthermore, it is worth mentioning that the Grito de Independencia is one of the most important festivals in Mexico and one of the best occasions to discover the cultural essence of the country. During these dates, cities and towns are filled with colour, music, gastronomy and traditions that allow you to experience the spirit of the national holidays up close, becoming an especially attractive experience for those visiting Mexico in September. Therefore, those looking for when Mexico's Independence Day is celebrated should mark 16 September on the calendar, although the festive atmosphere starts from the night before.

The leading figure of this historical episode was Miguel Hidalgo y Costilla, a priest and one of the main leaders of the Mexican independence movement. During the early hours of 16 September 1810, Hidalgo summoned the citizens of Dolores after the independence conspiracy had been discovered and there was a risk that its members would be arrested. Together with him, other fundamental figures of independence participated, such as Ignacio Allende and Juan Aldama. Hidalgo used the church bells to call the population and start the uprising.

The event that gave rise to this tradition took place in Dolores Hidalgo, in the state of Guanajuato, a town considered the Cradle of National Independence. There is the Parroquia de Nuestra Señora de los Dolores, whose bell remains closely linked to the historical memory of the event. Visiting Dolores Hidalgo allows you to get to know the settings where one of the most relevant episodes in the history of Mexico began and better understand the origin of this national celebration.

One of the most interesting questions about this date is knowing what the Grito de Independencia was like. The truth is that the exact words spoken by Miguel Hidalgo that dawn in 1810 are not known with absolute certainty. Different testimonies collected later offer diverse versions of the speech. Some refer to religion, others to the homeland and others to the rejection of the viceregal government. Therefore, there is no literal transcript considered completely reliable of the original Grito.

The Mexico's Independence Day ceremony reaches its peak in the Zócalo in Mexico City. On the night of 15 September, thousands of people gather in this iconic square to attend the event. Minutes before 11pm, the president receives the national flag from a military escort at the National Palace, walks to the main balcony and symbolically recreates Miguel Hidalgo's call. The ceremony includes several elements that have become symbols of the celebration:

• The arenga: The president names the heroes of the Homeland such as Miguel Hidalgo, José María Morelos, Ignacio Allende or Josefa Ortiz de Domínguez and includes cheers for freedom, justice and national sovereignty.
• The vivas: To each proclamation, the crowd responds with a unanimous "¡Viva!".
• The ringing of the bell and the waving of the flag: The historic bell of Dolores is rung while the Mexican flag is waved.
• The national anthem: Attendees sing the Mexican National Anthem accompanied by military bands.
• The fireworks and the party: The sky is lit up with fireworks to the rhythm of traditional Mexican music, marking the start of the popular festivals.

Although the act held at the National Palace is the best known, practically all the cities and municipalities in the country organise similar ceremonies in squares and public buildings.

Gastronomy occupies a fundamental place during Mexico's Independence Day. During the so-called "Noche Mexicana", families and friends gather around traditional dishes that, in many cases, represent the colours of the national flag.

• Chiles en Nogada: The patriotic dish par excellence. They are made with a poblano chilli stuffed with meat and fruit picadillo, covered with a creamy walnut sauce, pomegranate seeds and parsley leaves, whose green, white and red colours recall the flag of Mexico.
• Pozole: A broth based on cacahuazintle corn kernels with pork or chicken, served with lettuce, radish, onion, oregano, chilli and tostadas with cream.
• Tacos and Mexican Antojitos: Pambazos, sopes, tostadas, enchiladas and tamales are the stars of street stalls and family banquets.
• Tequila and Mezcal: Agave distilled drinks are essential for toasting during the night, accompanied by margaritas or the traditional "banderita" (lime juice, tequila and sangrita).

Music is one of the essential elements of Mexican national holidays. Mariachis, internationally recognised as one of the country's great cultural symbols, have a special prominence during these celebrations, although they share the space with other traditional genres. Among the most representative dances, the jarabe tapatío stands out, considered one of the most iconic folkloric expressions of Mexico. Throughout the night, the music, the fireworks and the constant "¡Viva México!" create a unique atmosphere that makes these festivities one of the most authentic cultural experiences in the country, which attracts tourists from all over the world.

For those who want to experience this tradition at its best, Mexico City is one of the most special places in the country during the national holidays. The epicentre is in the Zócalo, the huge square located in front of the National Palace, where the presidential ceremony is held every year. Beyond the capital, there are other destinations especially recommended for enjoying the national holidays:

• Dolores Hidalgo (Guanajuato): considered the cradle of Mexican independence, it allows you to relive history in the same place where the movement began in 1810.
• San Miguel de Allende and Querétaro: Colonial cities declared World Heritage Sites where you can breathe the roots of the insurgent movement among cobbled streets and baroque architecture.
• Guadalajara (Jalisco): Ideal for enjoying the party to the rhythm of original mariachi, charrería and local gastronomy.

It is a massive event that brings together millions of people, so good planning is key. These practical tips allow you to enjoy the celebrations while avoiding setbacks:

• Arrive with enough time: in places like the Zócalo in Mexico City or the main squares of tourist destinations, access is usually restricted when the allowed capacity is reached.
• Security filters and permitted objects: To access public squares, security checks are installed, make sure you do not carry anything that is not permitted.
• Comfortable and warm clothing: September coincides with the rainy season in the centre of the country and temperatures usually drop at night. It is advisable to bring some warm clothing, a raincoat and comfortable footwear.
• Use of public transport: Many of the main streets are closed to traffic. The Mexico City Metro usually extends its service hours on the night of 15 September, although some stations in the historic centre may remain closed for security reasons.

There are several interesting facts that help to better understand the meaning of this celebration:

• The Grito was not the day of final independence: The 1810 uprising started a war that did not end until 1821. Therefore, the date commemorates the start of the independence process, not the signing of an immediate independence.
• The exact words of Hidalgo are not known: Historical sources offer different versions of his speech, so there is no transcript considered completely reliable.
• The current ceremony is a re-enactment: The act that is celebrated every 15 September preserves elements related to the historical episode, but it has evolved into an institutional and patriotic ceremony.
• The Grito is celebrated throughout Mexico: Although the act at the National Palace is the best known, practically all municipalities organise their own ceremonies.
• The celebrations start on the night of 15 September: although the official day of independence is the 16th, the big party starts the day before.

Travelling to Mexico during the Grito de Independencia celebrations requires organising your stay in advance. 15 and 16 September are dates of great internal tourist movement, especially in destinations such as Mexico City, Guanajuato or Dolores Hidalgo. It is also recommended to check the local programme for each destination, as activities may include concerts, popular festivals, cultural events, fireworks displays and official ceremonies. Furthermore, these dates represent a perfect opportunity to discover some of the most iconic traditional dishes of Mexican gastronomy, which feature prominently during the celebrations. Beyond the festive atmosphere, the Grito de Independencia is a manifestation deeply linked to the Mexican national identity. A tradition steeped in history, symbolism and emotion that every September brings millions of people together under the same cry: "¡Viva México!".