When is Mexican Independence Day?

One of the most widely celebrated holidays, Mexican Independence Day brings about festive celebrations, patriotic parades, and the vibrant colors of Mexican life. It is one of the September holidays you won’t want to miss if you’re traveling through the country, especially because the Independence Day celebration in Mexico is one of the biggest parties of the year and when Mexicans throw a party, they do it big!

Read on to learn about the birth of the Mexican nation that began with the Grito de Doloresand why the nation has a two-day Independence Day celebration. 

When is Mexican Independence Day?

Mexican Independence is celebrated on the 15 and 16 of September in Mexico, not on the fifth of May, or Cinco de Mayo. This is the date that commemorates Miguel Hidalgo’s Grito de Dolores, or cry for independence, in 1810, beginning what would be an 11 year battle against Spanish forces.

All over the world, Mexicans celebrate the September holidays beginning on the night of the 15th. At midnight, they yell “viva Mexico,” marking the beginning of the official Independence Day. 

The History of Mexican Independence

Seeing an opportunity to end almost 300 years of Spanish rule, Miguel Hidalgo y Costilla, a Catholic priest, gave a moving speech in the town of Dolores before taking up a banner of Guadalupe, the patron saint of Mexico, and calling for Mexican independence.

Knowing that Napoleon’s invasion of Spain would leave the crown in a difficult position, he inspired an army of men, women, and children to take up arms against colonial rule, screaming “viva Mexico” for all to hear.

Hidalgo became known as the father of the revolution, and even though he was executed long before independence was ever reached, his Grito de Doloreshas long been recognized as the spark of the revolution.

How is Independence Day Celebrated in Mexico?

Of all the Mexican holidays, the 16 of September in Mexico is one of the biggest. People all over the nation join in Independence Day celebrations that include reenactments of Hidalgo’s grito as they fill the streets with music, dancing, laughter, and fireworks. 

Grand festivities filled with Mexican pride can be found at every bar, restaurant, resort, and in millions of homes that wish to honor the birth of a great nation.

If you’re traveling around the 16 of September in Mexico, don’t be surprised if you see a multitude of Mexican flags hung in every corner of your destination, men and women dressed in the vibrant colors of colonial Mexican garb, and numerous traditional Mexican games being played around town. 

There is nothing quite like experiencing one of the best Mexican holidays while traveling in the country. If you’ve never been part of the celebration before, add it to your bucket list and make it a priority to visit Mexico during the month of September. It may just be one of the most memorable trips of your life.