Mexican Independence Day: A Federal Holiday Celebrated September 16

Yes, Independence Day in Mexico is a federal holiday observed annually on September 16th. The date commemorates the Grito de Dolores — Father Miguel Hidalgo's 1810 call to arms that sparked the Mexican War of Independence from Spain.

Celebrations begin the night of September 15th with the President's reenactment of the Grito from the National Palace balcony in Mexico City, echoed by local officials nationwide. The 16th features parades, fireworks, traditional foods like chiles en nogada and pozole, music, dancing, and patriotic displays across the country. Schools, government offices, and many businesses close for this most important national holiday.