Page 12 - Spok Inside Track

MEXICAN INDEPENDENCE DAY

Mexican Independence Day is celebrated on September 16 by
Mexicans and people of Mexican ancestry around the world. It falls
on the same date every year, honoring the country's fight for
independence from Spain, specifically the moment a famed priest
gave the "El Grito de Dolores" battle cry.
Father Miguel Hidalgo kicked off Mexico's war for independence
from Spain on September 16, 1810, when he issued his famous battle
cry in which he exhorted Mexicans to rise up and throw off Spanish
tyranny. For almost a year, Hidalgo led the independence movement,
battling Spanish forces in and around Central Mexico.

Though Hidalgo's attempt at a revolution was unsuccessful, it inspired another priest, José María Morelos, to create a more
cohesive, prepared fighting force with the same goal. With the help of Agustín de Iturbide, a Mexican military leader who
defected from Spain, the freedom fighters took Mexico City in February 1821 and declared national independence.
How is Mexican Independence Day celebrated today?

Independence Day in Mexico is celebrated with huge street parties, parades, and everything from fireworks to rodeos to
brass band and mariachi performances and traditional folk dancing in the streets (bailes folclóricos). In Mexico City, there's a
military march that proceeds to the memorial of Hidalgo.
On the evening of September 15, the Mexican president recreates "El Grito" in front of a crowd of hundreds of thousands
from the balcony of the National Palace. After each line, the audience chimes in with a spirited "Viva!" culminating in the
president ringing a bell as another tribute to Hidalgo.
Foods that are traditionally made for Mexican Independence Day include pozole, menudo (a beef stew that's been referred
to as a hangover cure), birria de borrego (spiced lamb) and queso fundido, while tequila is the beverage of choice for those
imbibing. Chiles En Nogada is also frequently eaten on Mexican Independence Day, because its cream sauce, parsley, and
poblano chiles, give it the same colors as the Mexican flag.

Mexican Independence Day is widely celebrated beyond Mexico's borders, with parades and festivals taking place in heavily
Mexican cities like Los Angeles, Houston, Chicago, and New York. While the festivities were mainly virtual in 2020,
scheduled 2021 events are being announced every week so check out your community for celebrations near you if it’s safe
to do so.