September 16th signifies one of the most important days in the history of Mexico. On this day in 1810, Mexico declared its independence from the country of Spain following 300 years of colonial rule.
The night before Independence day is recognized as “El Grito”. This is in reference to “the cry” made by Father Miguel Hidalgo y Costilla, parish priest of the town of Dolores in central Mexico. Shortly after midnight in the early morning hours of September 16, Father Hidalgo made a cry for Mexico’s independence to the town of Dolores, giving a riveting speech followed by the ringing of the church bells. That moment became known as “Grito de Dolores” and led to the start of the Mexican War of Independence.
Independence did not happen overnight; rather, the Mexican War of Independence went on for 11 years, culminating in 1821 with the collapse of royal government in Mexico and the signing of the Treaty of Corodoba to end the conflict. Following this, the mainland of New Spain was organized as the Mexican Empire. While there were a number of reconquest attempts made by Spain, in 1836 under the rule of Isabella II, the independence of Mexico was finally recognized.
Every year in the late evening of September 15, the President of Mexico stands on the balcony of the National Palace, which is located in Mexico City. The President then delivers a speech in honor of those who had fought for the country’s independence. During the event’s finale, the President rings the same church bells rung by Father Hidalgo y Costilla over 200 years ago.
“The best way to honor this day is to do social justice or collective-minded political work. They were able to change a system by organizing and by pushing back, and I think people always have to remember that change is possible. I kind of see it as a moment of hope.” – Robert Castro, director of Chicanx and Latinx studies at the University of California.
#DEIatCTI #mexicanindependenceday #mexico #freedom #revolution
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