Mexican Independence Day (Sept 16): History, Heroes, and Celebration

Every September 16, Mexicans and Mexican-Americans celebrate Día de la Independencia, commemorating the Grito de Dolores (Cry of Dolores) in 1810 that sparked the 11-year war against Spanish rule.

The Three Principal Patriots

1. Miguel Hidalgo y Costilla – Parish priest of Dolores; rang the church bell at dawn on Sept 16, 1810, calling for rebellion ("¡Viva la Virgen de Guadalupe! ¡Muera el mal gobierno!"). Considered the Father of Mexican Independence. Captured and executed 1811.
2. José María Morelos y Pavón – Priest and brilliant military strategist; led the southern campaign, convened the Congress of Chilpancingo (1813), authored Sentimientos de la Nación (constitutional blueprint: sovereignty, equality, abolition of slavery). Executed 1815.
3. Agustín de Iturbide – Royalist officer turned insurgent; crafted the Plan of Iguala (1821): Three Guarantees—Independence, Religion (Catholic), Union. Entered Mexico City triumphantly Sept 1821; briefly Emperor Agustín I (1822–23).

How It's Celebrated

• El Grito (Sept 15, 11 PM): President (or local mayor) reenacts Hidalgo's cry from the National Palace balcony; crowd responds "¡Viva México!" Fireworks, music, pozole, tequila.
• Sept 16 Parade: Military parade in Mexico City's Zócalo; civic parades nationwide.
• Decorations: Green-white-red flags, papel picado, luminarias.

Note: Cinco de Mayo (May 5) commemorates the 1862 Battle of Puebla vs. France—not Independence Day.