Mexican Independence Day

The Revolution That Rang the Bell

Mexican Independence Day, celebrated every year on September 16, is a fiesta unlike any other. It’s a day filled with vibrant colors, fiery speeches, and, of course, an abundance of food and fireworks. However, it’s not just about indulging in tamales or sipping on tequila—although, let's not kid ourselves, those are certainly high points. Mexican Independence Day marks the start of a revolution that began in 1810 and ultimately freed Mexico from 300 years of Spanish rule. That’s right—no one dared to try a 300-year rule before the Mexicans said, "Enough is enough."

The Bell that Started It All

Our story begins in the quiet town of Dolores, where a Catholic priest named Miguel Hidalgo y Costilla decided that Spain had overdone its welcome. On the night of September 15, 1810, Hidalgo rang the church bell, rallying his congregation with an impassioned speech known as "El Grito de Dolores" (The Cry of Dolores). This was less a literal cry and more a call to arms, but you can imagine a few people in the back pews startled into action.

"Down with bad government and long live independence!" Hidalgo reportedly shouted, although he might’ve snuck in, “And bring snacks—it’s going to be a long revolution.”

This midnight cry marked the start of an 11-year war for Mexico’s independence. And while ringing the bell of freedom sounds like something out of an epic novel, let’s just say Hidalgo probably didn’t expect he’d become a national symbol or that millions of Mexicans would be shouting "¡Viva México!" over two centuries later.

An 11-Year Struggle

The war for independence wasn’t exactly a weekend affair. Mexico’s rebellion lasted over a decade, a grueling period that makes most of our procrastination efforts look like minor delays. From 1810 to 1821, a mix of priests, farmers, indigenous peoples, and even a few reluctant aristocrats fought against the Spanish crown.

There were highs, like the unexpected victory at the Battle of Monte de las Cruces, and lows, like Hidalgo’s capture and execution in 1811 (don’t worry—his spirit lives on in every tequila shot taken in his honor). After his death, leadership bounced between figures like José María Morelos, Vicente Guerrero, and Agustín de Iturbide, each adding their flair to the struggle.

It wasn’t until September 27, 1821, that Mexico was officially recognized as an independent nation. And no, they didn’t commemorate it with an awkward Zoom meeting. The Declaration of Independence of the Mexican Empire was signed, and the party’s been rolling every September since.

Confusing Cinco de Mayo? Let’s Clear This Up

A common mix-up continues to perplex folks, especially those outside Mexico: Cinco de Mayo and Mexican Independence Day are not the same event. They don’t even share the same century! Cinco de Mayo commemorates the Mexican army’s underdog victory against French forces at the Battle of Puebla on May 5, 1862—52 years after the start of the Mexican War of Independence. The confusion might come from the fact that both holidays involve lots of food, music, and a whole lot of pride in being Mexican, but that’s where the similarities end.

Cinco de Mayo has become a wildly popular celebration, especially in the United States, where it’s taken on a life of its own—more like a cultural tribute than a historic commemoration. In fact, Cinco de Mayo is celebrated more enthusiastically in the U.S. than it is in Mexico, where the day is mostly marked in the state of Puebla. You’re more likely to find massive parties and parades for Mexican Independence Day, the real patriotic heavy hitter that gets the whole country excited.

So, if you’ve been toasting your margaritas on May 5th thinking it’s Mexico’s version of the 4th of July, you’re technically a few months early and mixing up a story about France (yes, France!) with Mexico’s fight for freedom from Spain. In other words, you’re partying with the wrong revolution. No judgment though—any excuse for tacos and tequila, right?

The bottom line: Cinco de Mayo is like that fun cousin who pops in for a day of revelry, while Mexican Independence Day is the grandparent of Mexican celebrations—rooted in history, built on sacrifice, and celebrated with more gravitas (but also fireworks). So, mark your calendars, shout "¡Viva!" at the right moment, and don’t worry—both holidays are worthy of some serious fiesta energy. Just make sure you’re waving the Mexican flag for the right reason!

How Mexico Celebrates Today

Every year on the night of September 15, Mexicans gather in town squares across the country to reenact Hidalgo’s famous "Grito." The President of Mexico rings the original bell from the National Palace in Mexico City (because when you start a revolution with a bell, you don’t just toss it in the attic). The crowd responds with roaring cheers of “¡Viva!” for each mention of Mexican heroes. It’s like a rock concert but with more patriotism and less crowd-surfing.

Following the grito, fireworks light up the night, mariachi bands strike up joyous tunes, and the streets overflow with food stalls offering everything from tacos to pozole. If there’s one thing Mexicans know how to do, it’s celebrate, and they’ve been perfecting the art for over 200 years. Whether it’s devouring plates of traditional Mexican cuisine, dancing to folkloric music, or waving the green, white, and red flag, the party goes on long into the night.

Food, Fun, and Some Revolution-Approved Dishes

What’s a Mexican celebration without some serious food action? Independence Day is a feast for the senses (and the stomach). The classic dish for the occasion is Chiles en Nogada, which may sound fancy, but it’s basically a patriotic stuffed poblano pepper smothered in walnut sauce and pomegranate seeds. The colors of the dish—green, white, and red—match the Mexican flag, making it the culinary equivalent of waving a banner while indulging in deliciousness.

Of course, there’s no shortage of street tacos, tamales, and mole either, because revolutions are fueled by more than just speeches and bell-ringing. Fun fact: It’s said that a single tamale can power an entire parade of revolutionaries. (Okay, maybe that’s not scientifically proven, but it makes for a great mental image.)

Viva la Revolución, Viva la Fiesta!

So, whether you’re cheering in the streets of Mexico City or raising a glass in solidarity elsewhere, Mexican Independence Day is a moment to reflect on the power of a people's will—and to savor some amazing food while you’re at it. It’s a holiday that mixes history with pure celebration. And if you happen to find yourself ringing a bell at midnight, don’t worry—it’s probably just your inner Hidalgo reminding you that independence is always worth celebrating.

¡Viva México!

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