ONLINE Blog
Some people think that Cinco de Mayo, or the fifth of May is Mexican Independence Day, but Mexico actually celebrates its independence from Spanish rule on September 16. This is one of the most important days of the year in Mexico. For weeks leading up to September 16, vendors make their way through Mexico’s cities and towns selling flags, horns, face paint, hats, noisemakers, pinwheels and many other items for the celebration, all in Mexico’s colors; red, green and white. Government buildings in the main plaza are cheerfully decorated in anticipation of the big fiesta.
On September 15 at exactly 11:00 p.m., the entire country reenacts El Grito or the call to fight for liberty of Miguel Hidalgo, the priest that headed the independence movement in 1810. The largest celebration in the entire country is held at El Zócalo (the central city square) in Mexico City, where over 150,000 people gather to celebrate the independence of their querido (beloved) México by shouting “Viva México!” in unison, however all cities and towns across the country hold their own celebration, including Cancun and Playa del Carmen.
As with all Mexican celebrations, music, dancing, food and drink are very important on the 15th and 16th of September. Dancers in colorful costumes spin to the cheerful sounds of Mariachis. Mexican dishes like pozole (a stew made with pork and hominy) and chiles en nogada (stuff peppers with a walnut cream sauce) are served. For dessert, obleas (“dulce de leche” spread between two very thin wafers) or churros (deep fried dough) may be prepared. Of course, tequila and mescal always flow freely.
The celebration spans the entire month of September, El Mes de La Patria, or Patriot Month. September is a wonderful time to visit Cancun, Playa del Carmen or the Riviera Maya and join the Mexican Independence Day fiesta.
Muchas gracias to Flickr users www.macleans.ca, Desert Hiker Gal, Humberto Aguirre Gayosso, Cookthinker and Citoyen du Monde for the great photos.
Is an American expat who has been living in Cancun, Mexico since 2001. A mother, singer, salsa dancer and now writer and community manager, she has worked in many different industries but is currently enjoying exploring the Yucatan Peninsula and sharing her expertise and experience with readers around the world. Follow Kristin on Twitter
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