Photo Taken from Google via Creative Commons License

A large crowd gathers in the main plaza of Mexico City to commemorate Mexican Independence Day.

As Mexicans around the world recognize Mexico’s independence, we remember the man responsible for it: Miguel Hidalgo y Costilla. Hidalgo was born in the city of Guanajuato in the central state of Guanajuato. Hidalgo was ordained as a priest in 1778, and in 1803, became the head of a small parish named Dolores.

In 1810, Hidalgo joined a committee seeking Mexico’s independence from Spain, and in September of that year, Spanish authorities became aware of the group’s planning of a rebellion. On September 13, a committee member’s house was searched and his weapons and ammunition were seized. This prompted Hidalgo to issue the Grito de Dolores, also known as the Grito de Independencia (cry of freedom).

On September 16, a date remembered forever by Mexicans around the world, Hidalgo and his supporters soon marched toward the town of San Miguel. On this march, the militia faced its first resistance in the city of Guanajuato; this battle was harsh and took the lives of 500 Spaniards and more than 2,000 militia members. By October, the militia had around 80,000 people, and almost took Mexico City until Hidalgo became hesitant and instead withdrew and went north. Hidalgo was captured in the Spanish Empire’s Texas and soon executed by a firing squad. On the day of September 16, we remember his bravery and his fight for the Independence of Mexicans. 

In the city of Dolores, where the grito took place, a beautiful parade is put on with many celebrations. The governor of the state of Guanajuato is in attendance as they commemorate the day. In Mexico City, at the national palace and the main plaza (el Zocalo), thousands of people gather and wait for the president to come out and perform the Grito de Dolores in front of the large crowd. In Downtown Santa Ana, on the weekend leading up to Mexican Independence Day, a parade is held with live music, food and dancing. In Anaheim, something similar is put on: a show of traditional dancing is held at Pearson Amphitheater. Also in Chicago, cars roll down the streets of downtown Chicago, showing their Mexican pride with Mexican Flags. Popular cities around Mexico usually get very patriotic and decorate the streets of the cities in honor of Mexican Independence Day. Even right here at Rosary, the lunch ladies dress in their Mexican traditional attire and make Mexican dishes!

This celebration of independence is one of many important ways the Mexican people keep their culture alive. Just like in the United States, the pride and nationalism that accompanies independence remains key in uniting Mexicans throughout the world, regardless of physical distance. Happy Mexican Independence Day and Hispanic Heritage Month, Royals!