Mexican Independence Day
Monday, September 16, is Mexican Independence Day, the anniversary of Mexico’s declaration of independence from Spain after being under colonial rule for over 300 years. This day represents solidarity, perseverance, liberation, freedom, and joy for Mexican people.
In Mexico, Independence Day is celebrated with parades, parties, family gatherings, fireworks, music, and folk dances. Foods that are often prepared include pozole, menudo, birria de borrego, queso fundido, and chiles en nogada. The featured event of Mexican Independence Day is the El Grito de Dolores, where the president of Mexico delivers the exact battle cry given by Miguel Hidalgo in the city of Dolores in September 1810 that kicked off the War of Independence. El Grito de Dolores honors those who fought for Mexico’s independence. The president also waves a Mexican flag and rings the same bell Hidalgo did over 300 years ago. Watch the El Grito de Dolores on YouTube.
We do not typically recognize Independence Days around the world; many countries have an independence day holiday and some even celebrate more than one – this is part of the legacy of colonialism. However, we choose to recognize Mexico’s independence day, in particular, because of the significance to our own community in California. In 1810, Alta California was still part of New Spain, and then Mexico until 1848.
Celebrate locally:
Are you a student looking for ways to get involved with Mexican and Latinx communities on campus?
Are you a faculty or staff member looking for ways to get involved with Mexican and Latinx communities on campus?