Mexican Independence Day 2022: History, Significance and Celebrations

Mexico celebrates its Independence Day annually on 16th September as on this day only it declared itself independent from Spanish rule in 1810

Mexico is one of the largest country in the world and it is also the largest Spanish speaking country in the world with a population of over 127 million. 

Mexico celebrates its Independence Day annually on 16th September as this day commemorates Mexico's declaration of independence from Spain in 1810 which resulted in a decade long Mexican War of Independence which Mexico eventually won and gained its independence. 

People of Mexican heritage all over the world commemorate this very important event in their country’s history when a brave priest in the village of Dolores rang his church bell and delivered a powerful speech in which he declared Mexico's independence from Spain and called people to act for independence. 

Event Mexican Independence Day
Date September 16, 2022
Day Friday
Significance The holiday commemorates Mexico's declaration of independence from Spain in 1810
Observed by Mexico

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Mexican Independence Day History: 

During the pre-Columbian period, many city-states, kingdoms, and empires clashed with each other for power and prestige. Ancient Mexico can be said to have produced five major civilizations which are the Olmec, Maya, Teotihuacan, Toltec, and Aztec.

And before the Spanish conquest of the Americas, it was the Aztec Empire who controlled large territory of modern-day Mexico. Then after after various wars and conflicts between the Spanish and native American kingdoms were fought in which Spanish finally captured Tenochtitlan which marked the beginning of a 300-year colonial period from 1521-1821, during which Mexico was known as "New Spain". 

The colonial period of Mexico was considered very harsh by the Spanish as the native population was oppressed, farmland and personal wealth were confiscated and only Spaniards were allowed to hold political post. So really it was considered a very dark time in Mexico's history. 

Finally, a Catholic priest in the town of Dolores named Miguel Hidalgo y Costilla took an ultimate step. On September 16, 1810, he rang his church’s bell and delivered a speech now known as the Grito de Dolores (Cry of Dolores), demanding the end of Spanish rule from Mexico. This started the brutal Mexican War of Independence, which lasted over a decade. 

He was able to do that as Spain was already weakened in Europe as France under Napoleon had invaded Spain in 1808 which led to a bloody conflict between the Spanish and French so this even was seen as opportunistic among the Spanish colonies and inspired them to fight for their independence which they did obviously. 

So this all resulted in a 11 year long Mexican war of Independence which was started with this announcement of declaration of independence in 16th September, 1810 amd lasted till 27th September, 1821. And Mexico was able to win this war and thus Spanish lost their control over Viceroyalty of New Spain and this led to the formation of the first Mexican Empire as an independent country. 

Today, Father Costilla is known as the Father of Mexican Independence for his immense contribution in Mexico's independence movement. Mexican Independence Day has been celebrated every year since that momentous day on September 16, 1810.

Mexican Independence Day Significance: 

Mexican Independence Day has developed into a huge nationwide celebration over the past 200 years. The country’s leaders were inspired by their neighbors US July 4 Independence Day celebrations, so fireworks fill the skies at night and the day is filled with patriotic speeches, flag-waving, parades, live music, and home-cooked feasts and all the other things which you can imagine for Independence Day takes place on this day.

Like any other country Independence Day holds a very special place in the heart of the Mexicans as it celebrates the spirit of Mexico and it's people. It also reminds people of all the struggles which Mexico had faced in gaining their independence as Mexicans had to fight a long fight for their independence with lots of struggle. 

It also works as a memorial day for Mexicans to pay respect amd tributes to their National heroes like Father Costilla and many other freedom fighters who gave their blood and sweat so that future Mexicans can experience their freedom. And hence their contribution should never be forgotten and this is what Independence Day makes us remind. 

This day also inspires and awares the youth of today to never take their freedom for granted as this same freedom was denied to their ancestors for a very long time and they had to earn their freedom through bravery and resilience against the cruel rulers. It also reminds people of the cruel acts committed by the Spanish against the Mexicans and the destruction and loot of Mexico by Spanish that's why freedom should never be taken for granted. 

It also gives a message of unity to all of the Mexicans so that no other foreign power ever can colonize them as Mexico's strength lies in it's people so it asks all of the Mexicans to show brotherhood and unity towards each other and pledge to keep their country always safe and secure. 

Overall it is a day of celebration of Mexico during which Mexicans celebrates their heritage, culture and cuisine through full passion, enthusiasm, patriotism and love for their country and shows the whole world who really Mexicans are! 


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Mexican Independence Day Celebrations: 

One of the most popular events connected to Mexican Independence Day is when the President of Mexico rings the 200-year-old bell Father Costilla used in 1810 and recites the Grito de Dolores speech in front of thousands of people. This event is broadcasted live all over the country via Mexican TV and radio. 

The colors for the day are of the Mexican flag which are red, white, and green and these are seen everywhere in the country along with flowers and other decorations. Mexicans jubilantly blow whistles and horns and throw confetti to greet each other as a tradition, and crowds chant “Viva la independencia nacional!” and “Viva Mexico!” in the streets.

Mexican Independence Day is celebrated with festive fireworks, fiestas or parties, and lots of good food and music. During this many colorful parades and floats takes place all over the country performed by mostly school children. And students also perform various traditional dance and musical performances on this day at schools and public places. 

Traditional mariachi music spices up the events with lively dancing. Of course, food is also one of the very important aspects of Independence Day celebrations, restaurants and street vendors sell traditional Mexican food on this day. Others prepare feasts at home to serve at parties. Some of the most popular Mexican cuisine on this day includes tortillas, marzipan, pozole, menudo, queso fundido, chips, guacamole, tequila and obviously tacos! 

The celebrations of this incredible Independence Day finally end with an amazing display of fireworks at night. And it offers an amazing experience for the spectators when the skies of Mexico lit up with incredible display of fireworks. 

Most Searched FAQs on Mexican Independence Day: 

1. When is Mexican Independence Day is celebrated? 

Mexican Independence Day is annually celebrated on 16th September. 

2. From whom did Mexico got its independence? 

Mexico got its independence from Spain. 

3. How many states are there in Mexico? 

Mexico has 31 states with Mexico city as a federal district. 

Hello I am one of editors of merazone.com, our blogs are mostly event-blogging only so keep in update with us to know about all the important events

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