Mexican Independence Day, celebrated every September 16, is one of the country’s most important national holidays. It commemorates the beginning of Mexico’s struggle for independence from Spanish colonial rule, a fight that ultimately gave rise to national sovereignty and a distinct cultural identity.
The holiday’s origins date back to the early 19th century, when Mexico—then known as New Spain—was governed by the Spanish Crown. Social and economic discontent brewed among both indigenous communities and mestizos (people of mixed European and indigenous heritage), influenced in part by global events such as the American and French revolutions.
The movement began on the night of September 15, 1810, in the town of Dolores (now Dolores Hidalgo, Guanajuato). Catholic priest Miguel Hidalgo y Costilla rang the church bell and urged people to rise against Spanish rule. His call to arms, remembered as El Grito de Dolores (The Cry of Dolores), is regarded as the spark that ignited the Mexican War of Independence. His rallying cry drew together people from all social classes and set the independence movement in motion.
The war would last more than a decade, with leaders such as José María Morelos, Vicente Guerrero, and Agustín de Iturbide guiding the fight. Marked by fierce battles and shifting alliances, the conflict culminated in Mexico’s independence in 1821.
Independence Day is not only a commemoration of Mexico’s political freedom but also a celebration of unity, resilience, and cultural pride. Often confused outside Mexico with Cinco de Mayo—which marks the 1862 Battle of Puebla—September 16 is in fact the true national holiday that defines Mexico’s fight for sovereignty.
Across the country and beyond, the festivities begin the evening of September 15. The president of Mexico reenacts El Grito de Dolores from the National Palace balcony in Mexico City, echoing Hidalgo’s cry as church bells ring throughout the nation. This ceremony is broadcast live and replicated in town squares and villages across Mexico, as well as by Mexican communities worldwide.
The celebrations fill plazas, schools, and homes with decorations in green, white, and red—the colors of the Mexican flag. Parades, fireworks, concerts, and street fairs create a festive atmosphere. Traditional dishes such as pozole, chiles en nogada, tamales, and antojitos (street snacks) are enjoyed by families and friends, while mariachi music and folk dances set the rhythm of the holiday.
Crowds chant “¡Viva México!” and “¡Viva la Independencia!” as fireworks light up the night sky. The joyful chaos of parades and gatherings captures the enduring spirit of freedom and unity that the holiday represents.
Each year, Independence Day serves as a reminder of the sacrifices made by generations who fought to free Mexico from colonial rule. The green, white, and red of the flag symbolize hope, unity, and the nation’s enduring spirit. More than two centuries later, September 16 remains a testament to Mexico’s resilience and the pride of its people.