Did you know that in Mexico, Independence Day is held on Sept. 16th? Centuries ago on Sept. 16th, 1810, a priest named Father Miguel Hidalgo y Castillo called out to inspire the country’s people to fight for their Independence from Spain. Since then, Sept. 16th has become a national holiday and Mexico’s Independence Day commemorates the moment when Father Hidalgo called for Mexico’s liberation from Spain. In modern times, Mexican Independence Day is celebrated with festive fireworks, fiestas, and lots of delicious food and music. Likewise, red, white, and green decorations that represent the colors of the Mexican flag are seen everywhere in public areas including flowers and other festive adornments. There are also traditions that coincide with the country’s important holiday. Keep reading more below about Mexican Independence Day traditions.
History of Independence Day
Prior to their Independence from Spain, the people of Mexico were enslaved for 300 years by the Spanish. Independence Day is celebrated on September 16th, but celebrations start the night before on Sept. 15th at midnight when people around the country reenact Father Hidalgo’s cry for liberation when he yelled out “Viva Mexico!” three times. These days, the 2-day celebration honors the moment when Mexico began their battle for Independence from Spain. That night back in 1810, Miguel Hidalgo gave a riveting speech in the town of Dolores and rang the town’s church bells. The 11 year war included many struggles throughout the country that lasted until 1821 when Mexico was officially independent from Spain. In order to wish people a “Happy Mexican Independence Day,” simply repeat his words: “Viva Mexico!” and “Viva la independencia!”
Mexican Independence Day Traditions
Did you know that Mexican cuisine is famous around the world? In fact, some Mexican dishes are difficult to find outside of the country. Likewise, there are many popular foods and drinks that are traditionally eaten on Mexican Independence Day. For example, the most iconic traditional Mexican food for Independence Day is chiles en nogada which are green poblano chiles stuffed with meat and veggies, topped in a white walnut cream sauce, and garnished with red pomegranate seeds. The delicious dish is especially festive because it has red, white, and green colors which represent the colors of the Mexican flag. In addition to chiles en nogada, pozole is another traditional dish that is a savory soup prepared with chiles, tomatillos, chickpeas, and beef, pork or chicken. Next, tricolor enchiladas can be filled with chicken, beef, or cheese and topped with sauces that are red, white, and green. Simply delicious!
Favorite Traditional Drinks
As far as drinks, there are lots of wonderful choices to celebrate Mexican Independence Day. For starters, banderita shots are three shots filled with tequila, sangrita, and lime juice to represent the Mexican flag’s colors. It’s a fun and festive way to celebrate with friends and family. In addition, there’s nothing more Mexican than a potent tequila. Tequila is prepared from the blue agave plant that is mainly grown in the state of Jalisco, Mexico. Mezcal and raicilla are other popular drinks to enjoy during the festivities. If you want something a bit lighter, you can try Micheladas which are Mexican beers mixed with tomato juice and the glass is rimmed with a salt and spicy seasoning. Last but not least, non-alcoholic favorites include agua frescas like Jamaica, horchata and limon.
If you want to visit Mexico, now is a great time! Why not book a last minute getaway to Mexico and celebrate Independence Day in person on Sept. 16th? A vacation to Mexico during September is the best way to fully appreciate the country’s pride about their rich heritage, culture and history.
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