Mexico’s Independence Day, observed on September 16th, often gets mistakenly linked to the U.S.-centered celebration of “Cinco de Mayo.” This confusion even extends to people of Mexican descent. While there is indeed a historical connection between Arizona and Mexico due to the significant Mexican-origin population of around 89%, the memories and ways of commemorating Mexico’s independence differ for those who grew up and were educated in Mexico.
As celebrations unfold throughout the United States, especially in Arizona, let’s delve into the origins of Mexico’s fight for independence and how this celebration transcends borders, even after more than 200 years.
How Mexico Celebrates Independence Day:
In Mexico, September is celebrated as the patriotic month because it marks the beginning of the fight for independence against Spanish rule, which had dominated the country for over three centuries. As the days progress, the streets come alive with vendors selling Mexican flags of all sizes, traditional clothing like folkloric skirts and peasant blouses, and patriotic items such as rattles and shawls. Schools decorate classrooms with green, white, and red papel picado (perforated paper), and students come together for patriotic parties where they enjoy Mexican dishes and watch ballet folklórico performances.
One of the highlights of Mexico’s Independence Day celebration is the “El Grito de Dolores” (The Cry of Dolores). This event reenacts the moment when Catholic priest Don Miguel Hidalgo y Costilla, in the early hours of September 16, 1810, rang the bells of his parish and called upon the Mexican population to rise against Spanish rule. This historic cry ignited an 11-year-long struggle for independence. Today, the Mexican President performs a version of El Grito de Dolores at the National Palace in Mexico City, where the names of heroes like Miguel Hidalgo, José María Morelos y Pavón, Josefa Ortiz de Dominguez, and Ignacio Allende are invoked.
Cities and organizations across Mexico organize events to celebrate this significant day and educate people about Mexican culture.
How Mexican Independence Day Is Celebrated in the US:
In the United States, the Mexican Consulate in Phoenix, and consulates in other major cities like Las Vegas, New York, and Miami, host “El Grito” ceremonies at venues like the Arizona Capitol. Various universities, media groups, and local organizations also arrange community events featuring the performance of El Grito. These celebrations can include El Grito ceremonies, concerts with renowned Mexican musicians, art exhibitions, and family-friendly festivals. The aim is to commemorate the day on a grand scale and educate those residing in the United States about the importance of this date.
According to Irasema Coronado, director of the School of Transborder Studies at Arizona State University, the close proximity to Mexico has led to an exchange of traditions between generations of Mexicans living in the United States. However, some younger generations may not have the same level of connection to Mexican holidays as those who grew up in Mexico or in more traditional Mexican-American households.
Mexico Independence Day vs. Cinco de Mayo:
In the United States, there’s considerable confusion regarding the date of Mexico’s Independence Day. Many mistakenly associate it with Cinco de Mayo. Coronado points out that May 5th has become a commercialized holiday in the U.S., often celebrated without a deep understanding of its historical significance. Cinco de Mayo commemorates the Mexican victory over French troops at the Battle of Puebla in 1862.
Another celebration intertwined with Mexican independence is Hispanic Heritage Month, observed in the United States from September 15th to October 15th. During this month, events are organized to celebrate the achievements, traditions, and stories of Latino or Hispanic individuals. It coincides with the anniversaries of the independence of several Latin American countries, including Mexico.
To truly honor and celebrate Mexico’s independence, it’s essential for Mexican-Americans to explore the history of both the United States and Mexico. This knowledge helps foster a deeper connection between these two nations and allows for a more accurate celebration of Mexico’s origins.
So, whether you’re in Mexico or the United States, September 16th is a day to commemorate the remarkable fight for independence and celebrate the rich Mexican culture that has left an indelible mark on both countries.
