The Bell of Dolores: Symbol of Mexican Independence

The bell rung annually to commemorate Mexican Independence Day is the Campana de Dolores (Bell of Dolores).

This historic bell hangs in the National Palace in Mexico City. Every year on the night of September 15th, the President of Mexico rings it to reenact the Grito de Dolores—the cry for independence issued by priest Miguel Hidalgo y Costilla in the town of Dolores (now Dolores Hidalgo) on September 16, 1810, sparking the Mexican War of Independence.