In 2024, Mexican Independence Day will be celebrated on September 16, as it is every year.  However, in the United States, this significant date is often confused with Cinco de Mayo, a holiday that many mistakenly believe to be Mexico’s Independence Day.

The reality is that the two celebrations commemorate very different events, and Mexican Independence Day holds far more national importance in Mexico.

Why Do People Confuse Cinco de Mayo with Mexican Independence Day?

In the U.S., Cinco de Mayo is widely celebrated, often with parades, parties, and plenty of Mexican food and drinks. The date commemorates the Battle of Puebla in 1862, when Mexican forces defeated the French army. While it is an important moment in Mexican history, Cinco de Mayo is not a national holiday in Mexico, and its celebration is mostly regional.

Mexican Independence Day, on the other hand, is celebrated nationwide in Mexico and is arguably the most significant patriotic holiday. On September 16, Mexicans honor the start of their fight for independence from Spanish rule, led by Father Miguel Hidalgo y Costilla in 1810.

The Night of September 15: El Grito de Independencia ¡VIVA MEXICO!

Mexican Independence Day celebrations officially begin the evening of September 15. On this night, Mexicans gather for the Grito de Independencia or Grito de Dolores.

This symbolic event re-enacts Father Hidalgo’s call to arms, which initiated the struggle for freedom. The President of Mexico leads the Grito from the balcony of the National Palace in Mexico City’s Zócalo. Similar events take place across the country in major city squares, with mayors and officials leading their own Grito ceremonies.

Why Is It Called the Grito de Dolores?

The event is called the Grito de Dolores (Cry of Dolores) because it refers to the moment when Father Miguel Hidalgo y Costilla issued a call to arms on September 16, 1810 in the town of Dolores, in the state of Guanajuato, Mexico. Standing at his church, Hidalgo rang the bell to gather the townspeople and delivered a passionate speech, urging them to rise up against the Spanish colonial government and fight for Mexico’s independence.

ALSO READ. 7 facts about Cinco de Mayo in Mexico and the Battle of Puebla

How Mexicans Celebrate Independence Day

The night of September 15 is known as Noche Mexicana and is a time for family and community gatherings. Traditional foods like pozole, a hominy stew with pork or chicken, are commonly served. Antojitos mexicanos (Mexican street snacks) such as tacos, tostadas, and quesadillas also make appearances at dinner tables. To accompany the feast, it’s common to enjoy tequila, beer, and spirited cries of “¡Viva México!” echo throughout the evening.

The Civic-Military Parade on September 16

The celebrations continue on the morning of September 16 with a civic-military parade. The event, held in Mexico City, features military units, government officials, and students marching through the streets. The President once again plays a central role, overseeing the parade and giving speeches that honor the nation’s history and the heroes of the independence movement.

Why Mexico’s Independence Dates Can Be Confusing

Mexico’s Independence dates can be a bit confusing for those unfamiliar with the history. The fight for independence began on September 16, 1810, when Father Miguel Hidalgo’s famous “Grito de Dolores” marked the start of the struggle against Spanish rule. However, the celebrations start the night before, on September 15, with the Grito de Independencia led by the president.

While the independence movement began in 1810, Mexico’s Declaration of Independence wasn’t officially signed until September 28, 1821, 11 years later. This long and complex process of achieving independence contributes to some of the confusion surrounding the key dates. Nonetheless, the September 15 and 16 celebrations remain central to Mexican identity and national pride.

A Celebration of Mexican Identity

Mexican Independence Day is much more than a holiday. It’s a reflection of national pride and cultural heritage, and it serves as a reminder of the sacrifices made by those who fought for Mexico’s sovereignty. While Cinco de Mayo may be more widely recognized in the U.S., for Mexicans, September 16 is the true day of independence.