Home > Facts > Mexico Facts > Mexican Independence Day Facts

Mexican Independence Day Facts

Mexican Independence Day Facts
Mexican Independence Day is a major Mexican celebration held every year. One September 15th, the eve of Mexican Independence Day, the celebrations begin. On September 15th, 1810, Father Hidalgo, who had been planning a revolt against the Spanish government, discovered that the Spanish had ordered his arrest. He rallied the people and have a speech known as 'Grito de Delores', and told the people 'Viva Mexico', and 'Viva la independencia!' The fight for independence began, and the Mexicans went to war against the Spanish. Although Father Hidalgo was captured and executed within a year, the Mexicans continued their fight for eleven years and finally gained their independence.
Interesting Mexican Independence Day Facts:
Spain originally conquered Mexico in 1500. They renamed it New Spain, and many of the Mayas and Aztecs were forced into slavery. 300 years later Father Hidalgo began the revolt that would eventually result in Mexico's independence.
Many revolts were planned against the Spaniards but most were discovered and the rebels punished.
Father Hidalgo had about 90,000 poor farmers and Mexican civilians that believed in him and rallied under him to fight the Spanish.
The original date for the rebellion was October 2nd, but Father Hidalgo's plan had been discovered and the date had to be moved up immediately.
After Father Hidalgo was executed, two more freedom fighters continued the fight.
Father Hidalgo's full name was Father Miguel Hidalgo y Costilla. He is also considered by many to be the 'Father of the Nation'.
The weapons the Mexicans used to fight were primitive.
Mexican Independence Day is known as Dia de la Independencia and is a major Mexican holiday to commemorate the 'cry of independence' that took place on September 16th, 1810 when the Mexicans revolted against the Spaniards.
The eve of Mexican Independence Day is called El Grito de Delores (the day of the Cry of Dolores).
The Mexicans won their freedom from Spain in 1821. The first Mexican presidential election did not take place until 1823.
On the eve of Mexican Independence Day the Mexican President gives a public address.
Mexican Independence Day is celebrated by Mexicans around the world, not just those living in Mexico.
Mexicans will often hang the Mexican flag around their homes in honor of Mexican Independence Day.
Today Mexican Independence Day is celebrated with parades, fireworks, dances, music, food, and parties.
On Mexican Independence Day banks, schools, government offices and a lot of businesses are closed out of respect. Most Mexicans are entitled to a day off work to celebrate.
Each year, Mexican town mayors and politicians re-enact the famous speech given by Father Hidalgo. The Mexican President also re-enacts it from the balcony of the National Palace.
Some mistakenly believe that Cinco de Mayo is Mexico's Independence Day. Cinco de Mayo is a celebration of the victory at the Battle of Puebla that took place in 1862.
Cities in other countries with large Mexican populations celebrate Mexican Independence Day with parades and other celebrations. Houston, Texas, Los Angeles and California all celebrate Mexican Independence Day with parades.


Related Links:
Facts
Mexico Facts
Animals Facts