FELIZ DIA DE LA INDEPENDENCIA

Happy Mexican Independence Day! 199 Years and Counting.

Today Mexicans all over the world celebrate the anniversary of the beginning of Mexico's War of Independence.

In the early morning hours of March 16, 1810, in the town of Dolores, Guanajuato, Miguel Hidalgo rang the church bell to gather the townspeople. He called for them to rise up against the Spaniards - the hated Gachupines - who had exploited and oppressed Mexicans for generations.

Although Mexico did not acheive independance until 1821, it is this event, known as "Grito de Dolores" which is commemorated every year in town squares across Mexico.

The largest celebration is in Mexico City's Zocalo which is decorated in the national colors of red, white and green from the begining of September. In the late evening of September 15th, the President of the Republic goes out onto the balcony of the National Palace and rings the very same bell Miguel Hidalgo rang in 1810. (The bell was brought to Mexico City in 1886) The President yells to the people below who respond with an uproarious "VIVA!" Basically this is a tribute to all of the Mexican heroes of independence.

Vivan los heroes que nos dieron patria! VIVA!

Viva Hiladgo! VIVA!

Viva Morelos! VIVA!

Viva Josefa Ortiz de Dominguez! VIVA!

Viva Allende! VIVA!

Viva Aldama y Matamoros! VIVA!

Viva nuestra indenpendencia! VIVA!

Viva Mexico! VIVA!
Viva Mexico! VIVA!
Viva Mexico! VIVA!

At the end the crowd cheers and waves flags. Afterwards there are fireworks and continued celebrations with food an drink. Certain foods are specialties of Independence Day such as Pazole and food in the colors of the Mexican flag - red, white and green.

Don't forget the tequila!