Vallarta Life

September 16th (although the celebrations begins on the 15th) marks the anniversary of Mexico’s true independence day. It is a common misconception that Mexico’s Independence Day is May 5th but in fact Cinco de mayo is a celebration of Mexico’s victory over the French in the Battle of Puebla on May 5, 1862 lead by General Ignacio Zaragoza. Cinco de mayo has since become a date which is observed by the U.S and other countries to celebrate the Mexican heritage.

In 1810 a revolt was being planned by Father Miguel Hidalgo from Delores, Mexico and his rallying groups. When the Spanish people found out about it the Spanish government called for his arrest but Hidalgo called his congregation to a mass on September 15th and rallied them to fight back. That is when he gave his well known ‘Grito de Delores’ speech and that is how the tradition of shouting “Viva Mexico” and “Viva la independencia” started.

Inspired by Hidalgo’s rally efforts, the Criollos (wealthy Mexicans of Spanish descent), Mesizos (children born from the marriage of a Spaniard and an Indian), and the Indians all fought side by side. They armed themselves with knives, clubs, sling shots and ancient guns and began their march to Mexico City. Before they made it to Mexico City a battle sprang out in Guanajuato between Spanish soldiers and Hidalgo’s army of citizens. The army killed the Spaniards and continued their march to the capital. Some of Hidalgo’s followers left before reaching the capital and then before the year was over Hidalgo was captured and executed. Devoted followers continued to fight for the independence of Mexico from Spain for eleven years before their freedom was finally won.

The Mexican Independence Day Fiesta is celebrated much like the United States Independence Day on July 4th. Many rodeos, parades, bullfights, horseback rider performances and grand feasts are to be found throughout Mexico on this festive holiday. Just like the colors used to celebrate the 4th of July represent the colors in the U.S. flag likewise, the colors in the Mexican flag are used to decorate for this day in Mexico. The green on the left symbolizes independence, the white in the middle symbolizes religion and the red on the right symbolizes union. Shouts of “Viva Mexico” and “Viva la independencia” fill the air all across Mexico on the night of September 15th at 11:00pm, along with confetti, streamers, balloons and hoopla!

So, if you have never experienced Independence Day in Mexico then try planning your next vacation in Mexico to include this week. That is if you don’t mind the humid weather and rain!