Photo credit: Conde Nast Traveler
Also known as "El Grito de Dolores" or "El Grito", the independence celebration begins on the eve of September 15th and goes until September 16th. It is the most important national celebration and up to half a million people gather in Mexico City to celebrate Mexico's independence from Spain.
A little back story:
The Spaniards went on a conquering spree and Mexico was far from spared. After hundreds of years of having Mexican cultures literally thrown away and burned, Priest Miguel Hidalgo y Costilla became fed up. He began hosting private meetings regarding a Mexican revolution and on September 15th, 1810, he received word that the Spaniards had heard of his plans. In immediate response, Hidalgo rang the church bells to rally a small group of 600 poor farmers and townsmen. They had poorly armed themselves with rocks and sticks, and on the morning of the 16th they marched into battle full of determination--- beginning the War of Mexican Independence.
In remembrance, the Mexican President chants this National anthem:
- English
- Mexicans!
- Long live the heroes that gave us the Fatherland (and liberty)!
- Long live Hidalgo!
- Long live Morelos!
- Long live Josefa Ortiz de Dominguez!
- Long live Allende!
- Long live Galena and the Bravos!
- Long live Aldama and Matamoros!
- Long live National Independence!
- Long Live Mexico! Long Live mexico! Long Live Mexico!
- Spanish
- ¡Mexicanos!
- ¡Vivan los héroes que nos dieron la patria y libertad!
- ¡Viva Hidalgo!
- ¡Viva Morelos!
- ¡Viva Josefa Ortíz de Dominguez!
- ¡Viva Allende!
- ¡Viva Galena y los Bravos!
- ¡Viva Aldama y Matamoros!
- ¡Viva la Independencia Nacional!
- ¡Viva México! ¡Viva México! ¡Viva México!
