15 Independence Day

September 15th-16th.

Nationwide. On September 16th 1810, from the balcony of the Parish of Nuestra Senora de Las Dolores (Our Lady of Sorrows) Miguel Hidalgo, regarded as the Father of Independence, shouted “Mexicano, Viva Mexico!?SPAN style="mso-spacerun: yes">  Several months after, Miguel Hidalgo was captured and executed by a firing squad.  But the people of Mexico remembered the cry from the balcony and what Father Hidalgo strove and fought for. These actions spurred Mexicans to fight for their independence from Spain.  This was the beginning of the Independence War, which lasted ten long years, and resulted in a victory for Mexico.  Now, every September 16th, in every zocalo, or plaza, in Mexico this grito (shout) is re-enacted.  Celebrations, parades, and festivities abound.  Almost every house, shop, building and car is decorated in green, white and red: the colors of Mexico’s flag.  Men, women, and children are dresses in traditional costumes or in the colors of the flag. Hundreds of food stands and stalls are erected bearing traditional foods and drink.  This is truly a day of great celebration.

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