A party more than 200 years old
In the month of September, nearly all Mexicans around the world reunite to commemorate Independence Day. There is always this confusion, however, on whether it is on the 16th or 15th of September. The truth is, however, that both are significant. The festivities begin on the evening of the 15th with a ceremonial yell called El Grito de Dolores and carry over into the 16th, which is actually Independence Day.
Since more than 200 years ago, this ceremony has brought food, music, dance, and, of course, the now-famous shout “¡Viva México!” to towns, cities, and even to Mexican communities abroad.
Why it’s called “El Grito”
It began on September 15, 1810, at night in a town called Dolores Hidalgo in the province of Guanajuato. The people were summoned to a gathering by the church bell. There to welcome them was Father Miguel Hidalgo y Costilla, a resident priest.
Father Hidalgo called for the people to rebel against Spanish rule. His call contained words like:
“¡Mexicanos, viva México!”
“¡Viva la Virgen de Guadalupe!”
“¡Muera el mal gobierno!”
This occurrence became known as the Grito de Dolores, or El Grito. It ignited Mexico’s protracted struggle for independence from Spain.
Commemorations of the event were already under way by 1812, and the tradition of reading the cry each year became a well-established cultural practice among Mexicans.
September 15: night of the Grito
Mexican families gather in their homes or move to the town squares during the night of September 15. The biggest celebration is in the Zócalo, Mexico City’s central square. The whole plaza is covered with the colours of the Mexican flag — green, white, and red.
There are musical performances, dancing, fireworks, and lots of the good old standbys like tacos, pozole, tamales, and churros. Tequila and aguas frescas flow freely.
The climax of the evening is when the President of Mexico steps out onto the National Palace balcony. As Hidalgo did back in 1810, the President rings the same bell that Hidalgo had rung previously. Then, waving the Mexican flag, he cries out “¡Viva México!” a few times.
This is radioed and broadcast at the time of its occurrence, so even Mexican expats can participate in yelling wherever they may be throughout the world.
September 16: The Official Holiday
Although the 15th is a day of celebration, the 16th of September is an official holiday and national Independence Day in Mexico.
The day is started by a military parade in the capital, Mexico City, televised for the whole country. The parade features soldiers, naval officers, and flyers from the air force. They march to honour the heroes of independence.
Schools, offices, and stores all over Mexico are closed so that people can mark the holiday. It is a day of remembrance, respect, and pride.
Why This Day Matters So Much
Mexican Independence Day is not all about carnival and fireworks. It is the day when the Mexicans can rejoice over their identity, culture, and history. It is the day that praises the bravery of people who resisted tyranny two centuries ago.
It also demonstrates the importance of solidarity. Every year, as Mexicans gather to yell “¡Viva México!”, they are not just celebrating the past — they are expressing their pride in being Mexican today.
More Than Just a Party
Outside Mexico, Mexican Independence Day is also celebrated in cities like Los Angeles, Chicago, Houston, and New York, where Mexicans are found. There are street parades, concerts, and festivals, which introduce Mexican tradition, food, and music to the masses of all cultures.
To them, the holiday is equally a time to teach younger generations about where they originated and their history. It is a way of keeping culture alive and making sure that the history of independence is not lost.
A Date to Remember
So Mexican Independence Day is the 15th or the 16th? The answer is both. Celebrations begin at night on September 15th with El Grito, and September 16th is the actual holiday.
Together, these two days capture the spirit of Mexico — alive, proud, and culturally vibrant. It is a day to feast with family and friends, to eat and listen to music, and most importantly, to remember the courageous beginning of a people.
Beyond any shadow of doubt, Mexican Independence Day is more than a celebration. It’s a representation of liberty, brotherhood, and nationhood. And on the anniversary every year, when the cry resounds in plazas, houses, and even faraway foreign towns, something becomes indisputable: the cry of “¡Viva México!” will never perish.
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