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Mark your calendars for Monday, September 16, 2024 to celebrate Mexican Independence Day!

As any Mexican school child can tell you, Mexican Independence Day tells the moving story about how Father Miguel Hidalgo y Costilla helped lead the fight to end 300 years of brutal class prejudice.

His speech to the people of Mexico on September 16, 1810 was the beginning of the decade-long fight for independence from Spain.

Today, Dia de la Independencia remains an important date to all Mexicans -- who celebrate it with fireworks, parties and parades.

Viva Mexico!

Mexico's celebration of independence is officially marked on September 16th, but the festivities usually begin the night before, on September 15th.

On Independence Eve, cries of "Viva Mexico!" can be heard shouted in town squares from Tijuana to Cancun as the skies are illuminated with spectacular fireworks displays in neighborhoods from coast to coast.

And, everywhere, the official colors of the day are red, white, and green - echoing the colors of the Mexican flag -- to express the patriotism people feel on this day.

The following afternoon, on September 16, the grandest of all parades takes place in Mexico City and other major towns and cities when schools and most businesses close for the day so everyone can take part in the holiday festivities.

While Cinco de Mayo has come to define all Mexican celebrations in the US, it is on Mexican Independence Day when citizens (and Mexican communities worldwide) exhibit their swelling pride with dancing, music, local parades, and family fiestas.

Viva Mexico!

also see -> Mexico's Day of the Dead

More about Mexican Indpendence Day around the Web:

Around the Web, go on a virtual tour of the history, modern observances, and lively and colorful party ideas for celebrating the ideals of freedom celebrated on Mexico Independence Day ....

Throw a Fiesta for Mexican Independence Day - Feature article from NBC with party tips and lots of recipes.

El Grito de Dolores - A balanced version of the story of Padre Miguel Hidalgo y Costilla and the events of September 16th, 1810 give a realistic, but still patriotic overview of the forces that brought about Independence from Spain.