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Mexico's Independence Day |
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Viva Mexico! Mexico celebrates its independance from Spain that occurred in 1821. The national celebration (Dia de la Independencia) is observed here in Cozumel with a grand fireworks display in front of the Municipal Building on Raphael Melgar in the late evening of September 15th. That day and for the next few, there will be countless types of local cuisine in the nearby food court as well as games and rides for the kids.
In the early nineteenth century, Mexico began talking about a revolt against Spain and a priest by the name of Miguel Hidalgo from Delores was a leader of one of the rallying groups. Hidalgo and his officers were planning a revolt for late fall of 1910.
The Spaniards found out about the revolt and their government retaliated by ordering the arrest of Hidalgo and his officers. Hidalgo in turn called a meeting at his church on the evening of September 15th, ringing the church bell to call his parishioners to mass. He then rallied the congregation to fight, giving a speech known as the "Grito de Delores" or the "Cry of Delores," and the crowd responded with bursts of "Viva Mexico!" and Viva La Independencia"! These famous words are still remembered and are said each year as towns and cities across Mexico celebrate Independence Day.
Everyone fought together, including the Criollos (wealthy Mexicans of Spanish descent), Mestizos (children born from the marriage of a Spaniard and an Indian) and Indians. Armed with clubs, knives, stone slings, and ancient guns, they fought as they marched to Mexico City. A battle took place in Guanajuato between the Spanish soldiers and Hidalgo's followers. The army sacked the town, killing the Spaniard soldiers. They continued to fight on their way to the capital. When they finally reached Mexico City, the army hesitated before going in to fight and some of them even deserted the army. Before the year was over, Father Hidalgo was captured and executed. Some continued to fight for the cause and Father Hidalgo's "Grito de Delores" became the battle cry of the Mexican War of Independence. The people fought for eleven (11) years before they finally won their freedom. For more information about Father Hidalgo and the start of the revolution, click here Shout of Dolores or "El Grito!"!
In modern-day Mexico, Independence Day is a major celebration and is given far more historical importance than Cinco de Mayo. The party begins on September 15th, the eve of Independence Day, when crowds gather in zocalos and plazas all across Mexico. The villages are decorated with red, white and green flags and colorful flowers, and music fills the air. But when the clock begins to strike eleven at night, silence falls over the citizens and the town or city leader then steps forward to ring the symbolic liberty bell and give the "Grito de Delores" as the crowd responds with Viva Mexico!
The actual day of September 16th is similar to July 4th in the United States, featuring rodeos, parades, bullfights, dances and grand feasts throughout Mexico and here in Cozumel as well. If you are here on the island, be ready to celebrate this important Mexican holiday with all its colorful food, fun and festivities!
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Copyright 2000 - 2024 Sherri Davis, All Rights Reserved. Contributors retain the copyright to their work. Please do not take art or written content without permission. Other graphics and reference materials are used and attributed as per the Fair Use Provision of The Copyright Act and individual terms of use.
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