How to Celebrate Mexican Independence Day
Mexico Independence Day
Mexican Independence Day is the ultimate day to celebrate Mexico and Mexican culture.
It’s a day to share Mexican pride and all traditional Mexican things.
Here I am going to share all about how to celebrate Mexican Independence Day.
When is it?
Many people assume that Mexican Independence day is on May 5th, Cinco de Mayo that is.
Mexican Independence Day is actually on September 16th.
But in true Mexican style, the celebration begins the day before on the 15th of September. More on that later, but first…
Where is it celebrated?
Mexican Independence Day is celebrated all over the world!
For example, the Niagara Falls and CN tower make their lights and illumination match the colours of the Mexican flag on Mexican Independence Day.
In Mexico, there are countless celebrations that honour Mexican independence and Mexican pride.
Each town has their own festivities and fiestas!
The main celebration, the one that is televised, happens in Mexico City in ‘El Zocalo’.
This is where the President of Mexico gives the famous speech, which I will soon explain.
There is a massive gathering of people at the Zocalo.
As well, people all around Mexico and different parts of the world watch this televised tradition and celebration!
If you would like to learn more about Mexico, check out Interesting Facts About Mexico!
Here is a map showing where the Zocalo is. You can check out the area and book your hotel here too.
What is 'El Zocalo'?
What is the ‘Zocalo’ you’re probably wondering…
Well, the ‘Zocalo’ is the main city square, or municipal square in Mexico City.
Most towns and cities have town squares, but the one in Mexico City has this special name. Before it was called ‘La Plaza de Constitucion’ but is now called “El Zocalo’.
Mexico City is the capital of Mexico, and this is also where the President’s headquarters are located.
Actually this town square is massive! It is 57,600 square feet!
You can find people from around the world visiting this historical site.
It is known as a gathering place for many people since Aztec times.
Due to all the history here, it makes sense that is the centre of all of the festivities.
Mexico City and the surrounding areas have so much history!
Did you know that there are pyramids in Mexico? Yep! Here is your Guide to Visiting the Teotihuacan Pyramids.
There is even a Restaurant in a Cave around Mexico City!
El Grito
Ok, back to the celebration starting the day before the 16th of September.
On the 15th of September, there is a famous tradition that kicks off the Mexican Independence Day festivities with a bang, or a yell, I should say.
It is called “El Grito”. ‘Grito’ means a yell, shout or cry.
The original ‘El Grito’ was a war or battle cry.
Moreover, the original location of ‘El Grito’ was actually in Dolores Hidalgo, in the state of Guanajuato. The original ‘El Grito’ happened in 1810.
They still continue to do ‘El Grito’ there, but the main televised one is now in Mexico City.
Viva Mexico!
So, what do they say and do for ‘El Grito’?
Here it is:
First they say ‘Viva’ followed by significant historical Mexican people’s names who helped to bring independence to Mexico.
They are Miguel Hidalgo y Costilla, Jose Maria Morelos y Pavon, and Josefa Ortiz de Dominguez, Ignacio Allende, Leona Vicario, etc.
After each name is called, everyone in the crowd cheers out ‘VIVA’.
Next the president yells out ‘Viva Mexico’! Viva La Independencia” Viva los Heroes que nos dieron patria!” Viva Mexico! (3 times)
This translates to:
Long live Mexico! Long live the Independence! Long Live the Heroes who gave liberty! Long live Mexico! (3 times)
Lastly, ‘Viva Mexico’ is called out 3 times in a row.
This is said to remember the Mexican revolution. A priest named Miguel Hidalgo y Costilla called out for freedom from Spain as he triggered the Mexican war of Independence.
As each sentence is being said, everyone in the crowd yells out ‘VIVA’!
So, if you hear ‘El Grito’, or you’re watching a ceremony live, feel free to yell out VIVA after the person says “Viva Mexico”!
VIVA MEXICO! 🇲🇽
The Festivities Continue!
‘El Grito’ is just one of the things that happens in the Zocalo.
There are traditional dances, musical performances, and much more.
The featured and significant event is the parade.
There is a very unique parade that honours and features the soldiers.
This includes fighter jets, parachutes, horses, army vehicles, the air force, charros (who are soliders dressed like mariachi-type style clothing on horses), marines, and marching soldiers. There are almost 18,000 soldiers participating in this parade!
All the soldiers travel for 10 kilometers starting at the Zocalo and ending at ‘Paseo de la Reforma’. That is a main avenue in Mexico City.
Even more, there are amazing fire works, speeches, Indigenous performances, and much more in the Zocalo!
So, now when you hear ‘El Grito’ you will know more of how to celebrate Mexican Independence Day authentically!
There are often musical performances including mariachi music. If you would like to know more about mariachis you can check out Complete Guide to Enjoy Mariachis in Puerto Vallarta!
If you don’t know many mariachi songs, I have created a guide with Mariachi Songs To Request.
Pride with Mexican Foods
There are some specific foods that represent Mexican pride and culture.
Yep, even some of the food has meaning!
One example is Chile en Nogada. This is shown in the picture below and represents the colours of the Mexican Flag.
They use pomegranate seeds on top of the white walnut sauce and green parsley to show Mexican pride with the colours of the flag!
Another patriotic dish sometimes is enchiladas.
Sometimes the enchiladas will use 3 types of salsas to represent the colours of the Mexican flag.
Did you know that Mexican cuisine is so very diverse and authentic?
In fast, UNESO has a list of the Intangible Cultural Heritage and Mexico is on that list!
The traditional foods of Mexico are officially designated by UNESCO as a traditional treasure. This is because of the cultural and ancestral tradition that comes with making many traditional dishes.
Actually, there are 35 UNESCO sites in Mexico that are all rich in culture and history
On the lists are the The Teotihuacan Pyramids, Mayan ruins, historical towns, archaelogical sites, caves, biosphere reserves, and more!
More than that, there is so much more to be proud of in Mexico! They have cenotes, Longest Suspension Bridge in the World, the 3rd Largest Monolith in the world, and you can Release a Baby Sea Turtle into the ocean, etc…
Mexico is the country with Magical Towns! Yes, magical towns! Check it out in this Guide to Pueblos Magicos in Mexico.
And of course, we can’t forget the music! Mariachi music is famous around the world. It originated in Mexico, I have created a Complete Guide to Enjoy Mariachis in Puerto Vallarta!
If you want to hear more about Mexico and Canada, fill out this form. You will get weekly blogs and a free guide to save $$ on travel expenses!
Traditional Foods
Food is big part of the Mexican culture.
As well, it’s a big part of how to celebrate Mexican Independence Day too!
Some of the traditional foods that Mexicans often enjoy to celebrate Mexican Independence Day are:
- pozole
- pambazos
- tostadas
- tamales
- enchiladas
- mole
and of course
- tacos!
Do you love Mexican food? What are your favourite dishes? I have a guide for Everything you need to know about being a vegetarian in Mexico.
Decorations everywhere!
You will see vendors selling decorations to display around their houses.
There are also coloured paper or plastic flags spread over streets, squares, stores, markets, and other public areas.
Of course, the Mexican flag is displayed everywhere!
What to wear
Another way that people celebrate Mexican Independence Day is through clothing and self-expression.
Many people wear the colours of the Mexican flag.
Some wear sports jerseys from Mexico sports teams such as soccer.
Soccer is extremely popular in Mexico!
Other people choose to wear traditional clothing such as hand-embroidered flowers on colourful shirts, dresses, skirts, shirts and head bands and more.
Of course, sombreros are also common at this time.
Practice your Spanish!
Here’s your chance to bust out your Spanish!!!
I am going to share some helpful words to help you to understand and participate in the Mexican Independence Day traditions more.
- Cheers - Salud
- Long live Mexico! - Viva Mexico!
- Independence Day - Dia de Independencia
- Mexican Independence Day - Dia de Independencia de Mexico
- Dance - Baila
- Freedom - Libertad
- Yell or battle cry -Grito
- President - Presidente
- Culture - Cultura
- Celebrate - Festejar
- War- Guerra
- Revolution - Revolucion
Get ready!!!
Get ready for a party… or should I say a fiesta!
But really, there will be singing, shouting, cheering, drinking, eating, dancing, gathering, and enjoying every moment!
So, now that you have learned more about how to celebrate Mexican Independence Day! Go enjoy the fun and the Mexican pride and culture!
Enjoy this Mexican Independence Day!
🇲🇽 Viva Mexico! 🇲🇽
Tours in Mexico
Looking to explore some of the rich cultural and fun excursions and tours available in Mexico.
You can browse them with Viator.
Where to Stay
Book your hotel with booking.com well in advance if you’re planning on celebrating Mexican Independence Day anywhere in Mexico!
The hotels tend to sell out around Independence Day.
There are literally celebrations everywhere!
I made this fun Mexico Fiesta Word Search Book that you can get on Amazon.
It’s an 8.5″ x 11″ large print paperback.
It’s all fun Mexican-themed topics to continue your fiesta! Get yours here!
How will you celebrate Mexican Independence Day?
Write in the comments below this blog what you do, or will do to celebrate Mexican Independence Day!
Besides being a travel blogger, I am also a travel writer, Amazon author and an English teacher. Check out my services here!
