Celebrating Independence Day: A Joyous Annual Tradition

Mexican Independence Day is almost here: September 16. It’s a keenly anticipated, fiesta-packed holiday observed to celebrate Mexico’s declaration of independence from Spain in 1810. It’s a day suffused with joyous national pride, from the rhythmic beats of mariachi music and vibrant colorful parades to generous servings of sabrosa (tasty) food.

Mexican citizens and people of Mexican heritage around the world commemorate this landmark event in their nation’s history, when Father Hidalgo, a Catholic priest in the state of Guanajuato, rang his church bell and delivered his Grito de Dolores (Cry of Dolores), an impassioned speech that demanded the end of repressive Spanish rule. His cry of freedom set in motion a War of Independence from Spain. (The President of Mexico rings that same bell, now over 200 years old, live on TV at 11:00 p.m. the night before the holiday).

Outside of Mexico, many people confuse Mexican Independence Day with Cinco de Mayo. They are totally different. Cinco de Mayo celebrates another victory, when an outnumbered Mexican army defeated a powerful French militia during the Battle of Puebla in 1862. Cinco de Mayo is a commercialized holiday popular mainly in the U.S., where party-goers tipple tequila and eat tacos on May 5.

Very few Americans know that the holiday commemorates an obscure 19th-century battle.
On the other hand, Mexican Independence Day honors a very brave padre who gave his life to free his country. After a brutal war that lasted more than a decade, Spain finally withdrew in 1821, officially recognizing Mexico as an independent country after three centuries of occupation. Today, Father Miguel Hidalgo y Costilla is known as the Father of Mexican Independence.

Since that momentous day on September 16, 1810, Mexican Independence Day has evolved into a massive nationwide celebration. Inspired in part by America’s July 4 Independence Day festivities, Mexico goes all out. The day is marked by patriotic speeches, live music, spirited fiestas, dancing in the streets and home-cooked feasts. Red, white and green floral arrangements--the colors of the Mexican flag--are seen everywhere across Mexico and in cities worldwide with large Mexican populations. Booming fireworks fill the night skies from Cancun to Cabo.

Here’s a few tips for visitors. In the same way that you don’t have to be Irish to enjoy St. Patrick’s Day, you don’t have to be Mexican to celebrate Mexican Independence Day. Feel free to blow whistles and toot horns and make merry. Patronize a local cantina and enjoy a flavorsome meal. If possible, order Chiles En Nogada: poblano chiles stuffed with savory meat that features the three colors of the Mexican flag: green (fresh parsley), white (walnut cream sauce) and red (pomegranate seeds).

At Quivira Los Cabos, a special themed Mexican Fiesta cocktail party is planned for September 17, which gives residents another chance to wave the flag of freedom and show of cultural pageantry.

Tequila, mezcal, sangria and beer flow freely on Independence Day, but don’t overlook traditional Mexican ponche (fruit punch), made from sugarcane, oranges, pears, guavas, raisins and apples seasoned with cinnamon and clove.
Feeling a little rocky following the fiestas? Menudo, a rich, hearty stew made from stew beef, hominy (corn kernels) and tripe (cow stomach lining) and seasoned with onion, garlic, cilantro and lime, is a traditional hangover cure that is known to work wonders.