There's Always An Excuse to Fiesta
For those of you who thought Cinco De Mayo was Mexico’s Independence Day, here is your chance to redeem yourselves. Impress your friends with the interesting story behind the real Mexican Independence Day.
Today, September 16th, Mexicans all over the world will be having fiestas in the celebration of the Mexican Independence day, also known as Grito de la Independencia (Cry of Independence). Although Mexico’s independence wasn’t effectively declared from Spain until September 27, 1821, this day is still most largely celebrated as The Mexican Independence Day, as it was the day that called everyone to fight for liberty which ultimately lead to the successful revolt.
How did this all come about you’re asking?
Here’s a quick history lesson:
The first inhabitants of Mexico were indigenous people, one of which was the famous Aztec empire. After Christopher Columbus “discovered” America, the Spanish conquered the Aztecs, along with the other civilizations living there. They were under Spanish rule for three centuries and were named “La Nueva Espana,” also known as “The New Spain.”
In 1808, Napolean invaded Spain. The people saw this as an opportunity to seek their independence. Being influenced by French philosophers and the Independence of the United States, they decided to start a revolt.
On September 15, 1810, Father Hidalgo along with others freed 80 pro-independence inmates from the Spanish colonial government in the early morning of September 16, 1810. Church bells were rung upon their return and it was then that they congregated to plan for the people’s revolt against the Spanish. After ten years of war, Independence was declared from Spain on September 27, 1821.
Aside from the many fiestas going on every night of September 15th into the 16th, church bells are rung, including Father Hidalgo’s original church bell in his honor. Father Hidalgo’s speech is recapitulated from the balconies of every mayors’ office in Mexico as a tradition, while fireworks culminate at midnight with the cries of “Viva Mexico!” heard throughout.
Well, there you have it, the real Mexican Independence Day. Feel free to join the celebrations with a margarita or two at On The Border Mexican Cantina this weekend…VIVA MEXICO!