The traditional Independence Day ceremony takes place in every city’s downtown or City Hall

Mexicans celebrate their country’s Independence Day with fireworks, parties (fiestas), food, dance and music on September 16th. Flags, flowers and decorations in the colors of the Mexican flag – red, white and green – are seen in public areas in cities and towns in Mexico. Whistles and horns are blown and confetti is thrown to celebrate this festive occasion. “Viva Mexico” or “Viva la independencia” are shouted amidst the crowds on this day.

Public Life

Independence Day is a national public holiday in Mexico. Banks, schools, government offices and many businesses are closed. Some streets and roads may be closed or restricted in major cities to make way for large celebrations. People intending on traveling via public transport in Mexico should check with public transit authorities on any timetable or route changes.

About Independence Day

Independence Day celebrates the day Miguel Hidalgo is believed to have made the cry of independence (El Grito de la Independencia) in the town of Dolores, in the north-central part of the Mexican state of Guanajuato. Hidalgo was one of the nation’s leaders during the War of Independence in Mexico.

There is no scholarly agreement on what was exactly said by Hidalgo, but his speech, also known as the cry of Dolores (el Grito de Dolores), was made on September 16th, 1810 to motivate people to revolt against the Spanish regime. Hidalgo’s army fought against the Spanish soldiers in the fight for independence, but he was captured and executed on July 30th, 1811. Mexico’s independence was not declared until September 28th, 1821.

Did You Know?

Miguel Hidalgo was a priest but was also known to have lived outside the parameters of celibacy.