Mexican Independence Day Celebrations
Mexican Independence Day - September 16th - is a great reason to throw a fun, fabulous Mexican Independence Day party for all your friends and family. Although many people believe that Cinco de Mayo is Mexican Independence Day, Cinco de Mayo actually celebrates the less well known Battle of Puebla fought by Mexican and French troops.
Mexican Independence Day, or Grito de Dolores as it's known in Mexico, commemorates the day in 1810 when Miguel Hidalgo (a Mexican priest and revolutionary) called for Mexico's independence from Spain in the small town of Dolores. Although Mexico's independence wasn't established until 11 years later, September 16th remains the day synonymous with the Mexican Independence movement and, as a result, Mexican Independence Day.
Mexican Independence Day party ideas:
- Mexican Independence Day traditions: The largest of all celebrations takes place in Mexico City's Zocalo which is decorated with Mexican flags and red, green and white lights. On September 15th at 11pm, the President of the Republic rings the same bell as Hidalgo from the central balcony of the National Palace and yells to the crowd. The croud responds with "¡Viva!" After the third ¡Viva Mexico! everyone waves flags, rings noicemakers and sprays foam as fireworks light up the sky. As a finale, everyone sings the Mexican national anthem.
- Mexican Independence Day food: Through the night, Mexicans celebrate with tequila, Sangrita and Margaritas. Typical foods to eat for the big day are Mexican cheese fondue, Tamales de Puerco (pork), spiced and roasted lamb and a beef stew called Menudo (which has long been used as a cure for a hangover).
After that long, dry history lesson, aren't you just craving a thirst-quenching margarita? I thought so. Pick some of your favorite classic Mexican dishes, whip up your favorite style of margarita, and spend one more afternoon in the warm weather with friends or family (or both!) at your El Grito de Independencia party before fall really takes hold and every spare minute is spent getting ready for the colder months ahead.
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