Many believe that Mexico’s Independence Day is celebrated on Cinco de Mayo. The truth is, however, it is actually celebrated in September. The two-day celebration – spanning from September 15th to the 16th – took place in 1810. A Roman-Catholic priest by the name of Miguel Hidalgo y Costilla woke up his fellow countrymen by ringing the church bells in a small countryside town named Dolores. Hidalgo wanted to rally support against Spanish rule and what was then called the New Spain. Some of the leading rebellion went to Washington to ask for military support. Meanwhile, Miguel Hidalgo stayed behind and brought his congregation together with a powerful speech known as the Cry of Dolores. While the plan was originally in place to take place in October, enemy spies discovered the controversial theory, pushing Hidalgo and his arm of men to stand up against the Spanish crown in September.
The Fight for Independence
Miguel Hidalgo went from being a devoted priest to a military commander of troops, often numbered into the tens of thousands. Throughout the year, Hidalgo swept through parts of Mexico freeing slaves in cities that were less defended by opposing troops. A well-equipped and trained Spanish Royalist army finally succombed him. They took him into custody and put him on trial. The Spanish government executed Miguel Hidalgo July 30, 1811 for treason.
However, his efforts continued until Mexico was eventually granted independence from Spanish rule. The war to gain independence from Spain took more than a decade. Mexico and Spain signed the Declaration of Independence of the Mexican Empire on September 28th, 1821. The Mexican people indocrinated Miguel Hidalgo y Costilla as Mexico’s Founding Father for Independence. They set September 16th as the official celebration as a way to honor his moving and memorable speech in the town of Dolores 11 years earlier. Pride and patriotism filled everyone and today, Independence Day is an important celebration for the country. The President of Mexico does a reenactment of the Cry of Dolores every year at the National Palace in Mexico City.
This Is NOT Cinco de Mayo
Contrary to popular belief, however, is the fact that Cinco de Mayo is, in fact, Mexico’s Independence Day. This is a whole different celebration more in tune with the aftermath of the Mexican-American war, rather than the fight for independence. Cinco de Mayo became highly popular in the United States in the early 1950s when great marketing from Corona beer spread it across the country. In fact, this holiday is only observed in Puebla, where the Cinco de Mayo battle took place in 1862 against a large and well-trained French army.
Americans often confused this holiday with Mexico’s Independence Day due to its large popularity overseas. However, it’s important to note that they are not related at all. Although, in a sense, they both heavily rely on keeping Mexican land for the Mexicans and overthrowing foreign rule. In this particular case, the French intervention.
Celebrating Independence Day in the Riviera Maya
Now that you know about the actual Independence Day, the real question is how and where should you celebrate it? The holiday entails quite a preparation. It involves preparing traditional food such as the chiles en nogada, pozole and other Mexican delicacies. Celebrating this holiday requires engulfing yourself in Mexican culture and folklore. There are parades, festivals and street parties where traditional dances break out and traditional music blasts through big speakers. Mariachi, of course, are a big part of the celebration.
Another requirement to celebrate Mexican Independence Day is wearing the colors of the flag: green, white and red. Many people hang the flag in their houses and decorate with other colorful decorations. Of course, beverages are plenty to go around.
During September, and specifically on the 15th and 16th, you will find many things going on in Playa del Carmen. From decorations throughout the world-famous Fifth Avenue to many restaurants putting out special Independence Day menus. The avenue and the main square in Playa del Carmen light up, as well. At 11 pm on the 15th of September, you can head to the main square to see the Municipal President repeat Miguel Hidalgo’s Cry of Dolores, ringing the bells and yelling ¡Viva Mexico! while the crowd chants it back. For a truly Mexican experience, however, try celebrating it at someone’s house with homemade pozole, fireworks and family.
To enjoy Mexico’s many traditions, your best bet is to make Mexico your home. Search through our many listings throughout the Riviera Maya to find your dream vacation, second or retirement property.
And remember, at Top Mexico Real Estate…we make it happen!
