What does Mexico celebrate its independence from? It’s the anniversary of Mexico’s declaration of independence from Spain. The day commemorates when Catholic priest Miguel Hidalgo in 1810 made the cry for independence hours after midnight by giving a riveting speech in the town of Dolores and ringing the town’s church bells. Although September 16, 1810, marked the beginning of Mexico’s struggle for independence rather than its ultimate achievement, the anniversary of the Grito de Dolores has been a day of Independence Day (Día de la Independencia) is a Mexican holiday to celebrate the “cry of independence” on September 16, 1810, which started a revolt against the Spaniards. It follows from the day of the Cry of Dolores (El Grito de Dolores), on September 15. The Declaration of Independence of the Mexican Empire was drafted on September 28, 1821, declaring Mexico as a sovereign nation free from Spanish rule. The Mexican War of Independence (Spanish: Guerra de Independencia de México, 16 September 1810 – 27 September 1821) was an armed conflict and political process resulting in Mexico 's independence from the Spanish Empire. The United States of America celebrates its' birthday on Independence Day or Fourth of July. So, how old is America this year — 2025? The Declaration of Independence was adopted by Congress on Sept. 16 marks the day when Catholic priest Miguel Hidalgo called for independence from Spain in the "Grito de Dolores" in 1810. While it may seem similar, Mexico's fight for independence was However, this was not the day that Mexico officially declared its independence from Spain. Before we tackle those dates, let’s look at the events that led to Mexico’s independence. Why Did Mexico Break Away From Spain? The Spanish arrived on Mexico’s shores in February 1517 and seized control of the Aztec empire in over four years. What does Cinco de Mayo celebrate? Brush up on its rich history and modern traditions. (And no, it's not Mexico's independence day) Mexico - Independence, Revolution, 1810: Although the Spanish crown initially rejected O’Donojú’s recognition of Mexican independence, the date now recognized as that of separation from Old Spain is in fact August 24, 1821. The first Mexican Empire spanned only a short transitional period during which Mexico became an independent republic. Independence from the former mother country had Briefly, Mexico had an 11-year War of Independence. It started on September 16, 1810 (considered Mexican Independence Day), with the “Cry of Dolores,” and ended on September 27, 1821, when the revolutionary army entered Mexico City. The Mexican War of Independence began on September 16, 1810, when Father Miguel Hidalgo y Costilla declared independence in the town of Dolores. Hidalgo amassed a large but unruly army of children, women, the elderly, and livestock to revolt against the Spanish rule. The Cry of Dolores is most commonly known by the locals as "El Grito de Independencia" (The Independence Cry). Every year on the eve of Independence Day, the president of Mexico re-enacts the cry from the balcony of the National Palace in Mexico City while ringing the same bell Hidalgo used in 1810. September 16, 1810 was the day that Catholic priest Miguel Hidalgo y Costilla declared independence from Spanish rule by ringing the bell of his church. 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. Mexican independence The Mexican struggle for independence began with the Grito de Dolores (Cry of Dolores). In September of 1810, Miguel Hidalgo, the parish priest of the small town of Dolores in central Mexico, uttered the country’s cry for independence. The date of Mexico’s Independence Day from Spain is September 16th. This day is a national holiday in Mexico and is celebrated with great joy and pride. It commemorates the beginning of Mexico’s fight for independence from Spanish colonial rule. Every year on September 16th, Mexico comes alive with vibrant celebrations, commemorating a pivotal moment in its history: the declaration of independence from Spanish rule. This day is not just a mark on the calendar; it represents the culmination of years of struggle, sacrifice, and the unwavering spirit of a nation yearning for freedom. In 2025, Independence Day falls on Tuesday 16 September. The holiday will be on Wednesday 16 September in 2026. Please scroll down to end of page for previous years' dates. Miguel Hidalgo’s cry was made late on 15 September, but the celebrations mainly fall on the 16th. Are you wondering why Mexico celebrates Independence Day on September 16th, not Cinco de Mayo? You aren't alone - it's a common misconception. This often-confused holiday marks the start of Mexico's fight for independence from Spain in 1810. In this blog, we'll dive into the rich history and significance of Mexican Independence Day, shedding light on its origins and traditions. Unraveling
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