Sept. 15 marked the official start of Hispanic Heritage Month and, in honor of it, I’m here to debunk any misconceptions you may have about the official celebration of Mexico’s Independence Day. Believe it or not, this event is actually commemorated on Sept. 16 — not Cinco de Mayo (which occurred 50 years after the fact). Cinco de Mayo is a day to celebrate the underdog. A poorly armed and outnumbered Mexican army defeated the powerful French forces in the Battle of Puebla. This win became a symbol for Mexico’s resistance against foreign rule.
Now that I’ve cleared up any confusion about the official date, here is a closer look at the events that led to the declaration of independence for Mexico.
For hundreds of years, Mexico had been under the control of Spain resulting in natives, including children of Spaniards born in Mexico, being treated harshly. Their wealth and land were taken away, and they weren’t allowed any political positions. A certain Catholic priest by the name of Miguel Hidalgo y Costilla from the town of Delores decided enough was enough and the Spaniards had to go. So, on Sept. 16, 1810, Hidalgo rang his church’s bell and rallied his people from his parish. He cried out to encourage them to revolt against the Spanish’s rule and demand the independence of Mexico. This famous speech, now known as “El Grito de Dolores,” marked the beginning of a long revolution that led to the Spanish retreating and recognizing Mexico as an independent country in 1821.
In honor of his crucial role in the declaration of independence, Father Miguel Hidalgo y Costilla is now known as the Father of Mexican Independence. In celebration of the historic day, you can find the president of Mexico out on the balcony of the National Palace the night before delivering some version of the following words in front of thousands of proud Mexicans shouting “¡Viva!” (¡Long live!) after every line:
¡Mexicanos!
¡Vivan los héroes que nos dieron patria!
¡Víva Hidalgo!
¡Viva Morelos!
¡Viva Josefa Ortiz de Domínguez!
¡Viva Allende!
¡Viva Aldama y Matamoros!
¡Viva la independencia nacional!
¡Viva México! ¡Viva México!
¡Viva México!
English translation:
¡Mexicans!
¡Long live the heroes who gave us our homeland!
¡Long live Hidalgo!
¡Long live Morelos!
¡Long live Josefa Ortiz de Domínguez!
¡Long live Allende!
¡Long live Aldama y Matamoros!
¡Long live the national independence!
¡Long live México! ¡Long live México! ¡Long live México!
(Information sourced from an article from Remezcla.)
After reciting these words, the president rings the famous bell that Father Hidalgo rung followed by the playing of the national anthem, “Himno Nacional Mexicano.” The crowd goes crazy: shouting, waving flags, singing and embracing one another. You can also find other representatives of the government celebrating in a similar manner in their respective towns and cities in Mexico.
On this day, you can typically find many parades, fireworks, speeches, wave flagging, mariachi bands and cities covered with decorations. You can find the colors of the flag, green white and red, everywhere you look. Families come together to cook a savory meal, and some of those dishes include chiles en nogada, pozole, tacos and so much more!
Due to the pandemic and social distancing, however, Mexicans were not able to congregate in big crowds in celebration of the holiday. But that didn’t stop them from celebrating their pride for their country. Families quarantining together enjoyed authentic meals and watched the president perform El Grito from their televisions.
This year has been filled with many uncertainties and tragedies. It has taught us to enjoy the present and love each other. Even though there is so much going on, it’s important to take a moment and celebrate life and the happiness it can bring us. This Independence Day, people were able to remember their history and celebrate their country for which they are so proud to be a part of. Many families in the United States come from Hispanic countries and may not have been able to celebrate with loved ones who live in their home country. So, for this Hispanic Heritage Month, make sure to celebrate your Hispanic friends and any important holidays from where they come from. Here’s a list of some important dates happening during Hispanic Heritage Month.
Sept. 15: Independence Day for Costa Rica, El Salvador, Guatemala, Honduras and Nicaragua (the official start of Latinx Heritage Month)
Sept. 16: Independence Day for Mexico
Sept. 18: Independence Day for Chile
Sept. 21: Independence Day for Belize
Sept. 23: Grito de Lares, a major revolt in Puerto Rico against Spanish rule
Moving forward, I hope you can remember the difference between Cinco de Mayo and Mexico’s Independence Day. I will continue to celebrate my Mexican heritage in honor of Hispanic Heritage Month, and I hope you will celebrate whatever your heritage may be as well. Be proud of who you are and where came from. Last, but not least, ¡Viva Mexico!