Many people assume that Cinco de Mayo celebrations mark Mexican Independence Day. But while May 5 is an important date in Mexico’s calendar, it doesn’t mark the day of its independence. In fact, September 16 is Mexican Independence Day — but even that date isn’t when Mexico declared its independence.
Confused? It’s time to clear the fog and delve into the history books to discover the actual birthdate of this proud country. Let’s look at how Mexico transitioned from a Spanish colony to today’s independent and vibrant nation.
When Is Mexican Independence Day?
Mexican Independence Day is celebrated on September 16 every year. It’s sometimes called “El Grito” (the shout). However, this was not the day that Mexico officially declared its independence from Spain. Before we tackle those dates, let’s look at the events that led to Mexico’s independence.
Why Did Mexico Break Away From Spain?
The Spanish arrived on Mexico’s shores in February 1517 and seized control of the Aztec empire in over four years. Spain’s raiders built Mexico City atop the ancient Aztec capital of Tenochtitlán and renamed the country New Spain.
Like many European conquistadores, the Spanish exploited their new territory’s resources and people, oppressing the native population and taking their lands. After almost three centuries of Spanish rule, the Mexicans started agitating for change.
Who Was Miguel Hidalgo y Costilla?
Born and bred in Mexico, Miguel Hidalgo y Costilla was a Catholic priest in the town of Dolores, Guanajuato, and believed Mexico should be ruled by Mexicans. As it turned out, events elsewhere forced him into the spotlight.
In 1808, Napoleon I invaded Spain from France and forced the then Spanish King, Ferdinand VII, to abdicate. The French emperor’s brother, Joseph Bonaparte, was Spain’s new head of state.
Mexico’s Spanish leaders split into factions, some supporting the new king and others seeing an opportunity to seek independence from their fatherland. Spain uncovered the plot and arrested several pre-independence supporters.
Hidalgo still wished for Mexican independence but refused to flee. Instead, on September 16, 1810, he rushed to his church and began ringing the bells to call his parishioners.
What Was the Grito de Dolores?
The people of Dolores flocked to Hidalgo’s church to find out why the bells were ringing. Hidalgo armed those who turned up and addressed them from the pulpit with what is now one of Mexico’s best-known speeches, known as the “Grito de Dolores” (The Cry of Dolores).
The actual words used in Hidalgo’s “Grito de Dolores” have been lost in time, but versions include the following phrases.
Britannica Encyclopedia credits Hidalgo with declaring: “Long live Our Lady of Guadalupe, death to bad government, death to the gachupines (the Spanish)!”
The Library of Congress states his words as: “My Children, a new dispensation comes to us today … Will you free yourselves? Will you recover the lands stolen 300 years ago from your forefathers by the hated Spaniards? We must act at once.”
Hidalgo’s large but ramshackle army went on a rampaging spree but was eventually suppressed by the Spanish and Mexican armies loyal to the colony. The priest was captured and executed less than a year later, on July 30, 1811.
Hidalgo’s Grito de Dolores kickstarted Mexico’s 11-year War of Independence from Spain.
Interesting fact: “Dolores” means pains in Spanish, and Saint Dolores is the patron saint of pain, tears, and mourning.
What Is Mexican Independence Day and Why Is It Celebrated?
Mexican Independence Day commemorates Miguel Hidalgo y Costilla’s “Grito de Dolores” speech as the flame that lit the fire that eventually burned down the Spanish occupation.
Nowadays, Hidalgo’s speech is marked on the eve of Mexican Independence Day, September 15. The country’s serving president, from the National Palace in Mexico City, rings the Dolores church’s 200-year-old bell and recites a version of Hidalgo’s call to arms.
The president also shouts: “Viva México! Viva la Independencia! Vivan los héroes!” (Long live Mexico! Long live Independence! Long live the heroes!)
Hundreds of thousands gather to watch the reenactment live while millions follow on television and live web streams. Many towns and villages host their own representation of events too.
How Do Mexicans Celebrate Mexican Independence Day?
Apart from the Grito de Dolores reenactments, Mexicans commemorate Mexican Independence Day in a variety of ways.
Flags festoon buildings and there are fireworks, fiestas, music, and of course, delicious Mexican food. People host parties at home while restaurants and street vendors bring ambiance to neighborhoods.
The Mexican flag colors — red, white, and green — adorn public spaces, be it in flag-inspired dishes, flowers, or other decorations. Crowds gather and dance to traditional mariachi music, and beer, tequila, fruit punch, and sangria flow. Shouts of “Viva Mexico!” reverberate from dawn way into the night.
Popular dishes served include stews such as pozole and menudo, and queso fundido — a Mexican cheese fondue served with chips, salsa, and guacamole. Roast lamb is also popular.
Is Mexico’s Independence Day a National Holiday?
Mexican Independence Day, September 16, is a national holiday in Mexico, but not in the United States. However, there are many parades, fiestas, and fireworks in cities across the U.S. where Mexicans live.
What Happened to Mexico After the Grito de Dolores?
Father Miguel Hidalgo y Costilla spurred the Mexican population into fighting for independence.
But the 11-year tussle for autonomy took several twists and turns before Mexico could call itself a free and sovereign state.
Who Was José María Morelos Y Pavón?
Another priest, José María Morelos y Pavón, took up the reins for the people’s fight for independence. Pavón and his armies held various parts of southern Mexico and formally declared independence in 1813 at the Congress of Chilpancingo.
However, congress had to move to avoid Spanish armies. In 1815, Pavón was caught and defrocked as a priest. He was shot on December 22 that year and named a traitor.
Who Was Agustín de Iturbide?
Mexico’s fight for independence had three main protagonists; the priests had led revolutionary and mostly indigenous armies against the second player, the occupying Spanish. The third element was the Royalist army, populated by conservatives and Mexicans of Spanish descent.
Agustín de Iturbide led the Royalists to several important victories against the native insurgents. However, by 1816, Iturbide was removed after allegations of corruption and violence.
Again, events in Europe had a crucial role to play in Mexico’s future. Spanish liberals overthrew Bonaparte and promised to reform and appease the Mexican revolutionaries. The Mexican Royalists turned face entirely. From supporting Spanish rule, they decided that only complete independence would help them maintain the status quo at home.
In 1820, Agustín de Iturbide took control of the Royalist army once more. He called a meeting with Vicente Guerrero, leader of the revolutionaries, and they came up with the Plan de Iguala.
What Was the Plan de Iguala (The Plan of Three Guarantees)?
Iturbide and Guerrero’s Plan de Iguala (The Plan of Three Guarantees) was written and signed on February 24, 1841. It was to secure:
- Independence from Spain with immediate effect
- Equal rights for Spaniards and Creoles, but it was notable for giving fewer rights for Mexicans of mixed or pure Indian blood
- The supremacy of the Catholic Church as the only religion in Mexico
It would take six more months for Mexico to gain its independence.
When Did Mexico Finally Gain Independence?
Mexico became an independent nation on August 24, 1821, when Spanish Viceroy Juan de O’Donojú signed the Treaty of Cordoba. The signature brought the War of Independence to an end and allowed Mexico to declare itself an independent constitutional monarchy.
Agustín de Iturbide became Emperor of Mexico in 1823 after no monarch could be found to rule. Republicans soon deposed him.
Who Was Mexico’s First President?
Mexico’s first president was Guadalupe Victoria, who took power in 1824 when Mexico adopted its constitution as a republic. Victoria was an orphan who has been one of the most inspirational military leaders during Mexico’s fight for independence.
Why Is Mexico Named Mexico?
Mexico’s full official name is the Estados Unidos Mexicanos or the United Mexican States. It’s made up of 31 states plus a federal district.
The name Mexico predates European incursions. It’s derived from a mix of Náhuatl words, an American Indian language spoken by Aztec citizens in western and central Mexico:
- Metztli (moon)
- Xictli (center, or navel)
- Co (place)
Looking at its root words, Mexico translates to “the place in the center of the moon.” The Aztecs built their capital city, Tenochtitlán, on what is modern-day Mexico City. So the name Mexico comes from the Aztec name for what was their capital, Tenochtitlán, which was built in the center of the Lake of the Moon, later called Lake Texcoco.
How Is Cinco de Mayo Different From Mexican Independence Day?
Cinco de Mayo, or May 5, celebrates one of Mexico’s most inspirational battle victories.
After gaining its freedom, Mexico became embroiled in several wars, including the Mexican-American War (1846-48) and a Civil War (1858-60), also known as the Three Years’ War or the Mexican War of the Reform.
A then debt-ridden Mexico stopped making payments to its European creditors. They, in turn, sent soldiers to demand arrangements be honored. Most came to an agreement, but France didn’t and sent its forces to occupy and seize control of Mexico.
On May 5, 1862, around 2,000 Mexican soldiers met a French army of 6,000 at the Puebla. The local military, inspired by their leader, General Ignacio Zaragoza, won the day. The victory boosted the morale of the Mexican army in what became known as the Battle of Puebla. Mexican soldiers used Cinco de Mayo as a battle cry in resisting further French incursions.
May 5 is not a national holiday in Mexico but some people do mark the day with military processions, battle reenactments, food, drink, fireworks, and parties. In the United States, Mexicans and non-Mexicans alike celebrate the day with parades, music, food, and drinks.
The U.S. has also evolved its own version of Cinco de Mayo, which is similar to how Americans celebrate St Patrick’s Day. The focus is not on Mexico’s victory in the Battle of Puebla. Rather, it’s a commercialized American holiday.
</aMexican Independence Day: A Time to Remember
Mexican Independence Day on September 16 offers Mexicans the chance to recall some central figures who engineered the country’s independence from Spanish rule.
While September 16 is not the day Mexico became independent, it represents the spark that ignited the fire. Mexico finally gained independence on August 24, 1821, some 11 years after Father Miguel Hidalgo y Costilla’s intervention.
Hidalgo’s rousing speech and call to arms now serve as a unifying force for what is a relatively new nation. People carry that spirit of independence into what is a day of grand celebration. ¡Viva Mexico!
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