Celebrating Independence Day In Mexico

Let the party begin! It’s time for fireworks, music, parades, and so much more. If you think that a Mexican celebration of this caliber must be Cinco de Mayo, think again. Americans may not comprehend the concept of Cinco de Mayo not being the equivalent of Mexico’s Independence Day, but that is exactly the case. When Napoleon’s French forces lost to the Mexican army, that was Cinco de Mayo.

In the year 1810, on September 16, however, Mexicans rose up against the Spanish-born upper echelons at the urging of a priest named Father Hidalgo y Costilla. This is the basis for the celebration of Independence Day in Mexico. And to this day, the famous cry for freedom, Grito de Dolores, is still re-enacted as exalted shouts and brass bands fill the streets.

Cinco de Mayo vs. Mexico’s Independence Day

Maybe it’s because Mexico’s Independence Day is more or less a commemoration of the beginning of a war and Cinco de Mayo is a victory celebration. Regardless, at least in the United States, Cinco de Mayo (May 5th) has become more of a well-known, widely recognized Mexican culture cause for celebration.

But in Mexico, on September 16, sparklers, fire crackers, exploding fireworks, palm stocks and braided willows on fire are everywhere you look; as well as an unimaginable, endless feast. This is the traditional, time honored celebration of Independence Day for Mexico.

Ring My Bell

On the evening of the 15th, right around 11 PM, the Mexican president rings the bell in the historical, large plaza known as the Zocalo. It is easily looked upon as one of the best and biggest places in which to literally ring in Independence Day in Mexico. The tradition dates back to the ringing of the bell’s in 1810 by the Mexican priest.

The Mexican Feast of Independence

Because it involves all of the colors found in the Mexican flag, chiles en nogada is the traditional dish served during Mexico’s Independence Day (El Grito de la Independencia). It is a dish doused in walnut sauce and made from stuffed poblano peppers. You may also consider a pork broth that is spicy, topped with chile sauces, lime, radish, and filled with corn commonly known as pozole. And of course, you can’t forget the tequila.

And speaking of the colors found in the Mexican flag, if you want to dress up to celebrate you need but to wear football shirts, face paint, just about anything, as long as it involves green, white, and red. Or you can don any typical, commonly traditional Mexican attire.

Celebrate in Song

About the time your ears recover from the resounding Grito de Dolores, you may begin to hear voices rising to the tune of the Mexican national anthem or Himno Nacional Mexicano. This takes the patriotic atmosphere already present and amps it up considerably. But this is just the beginning of music as popular music acts, both commercial and locally known will begin to fill the streets, bars, and local parks playing well into the evening. And for those who love to engage in traditional Mexican dance, there is no shortage of mariachi bands.

If you’d like to make sure that your family back home spends Independence Day in Mexico in real style, why not send them a gift of money? Sharemoney can send funds to your family in Mexico safely, securely, and quickly. Use the cash pickup method or the bank deposit method – whichever suits your needs!