History Lesson

The following is a summary of the history of Mexican Independence Day. Why am I posting this? Grady and I will celebrate our 2nd anniversary on September 16th - Mexican Independence Day!

The Grito de Dolores:
In the early hours of September 16th, 1810, Miguel Hidalgo y Costilla, a priest in the small town of Dolores, rang the church bell to gather the townspeople. He called for the people of Mexico to rise up against the Spanish Crown, thus initiating Mexico's War of Independence. The country did not achieve independence until 1821, but it is this event, known as the Grito de Dolores which is commemorated every year with the Grito in town squares across Mexico.
Independence Day Celebrations:
The largest Independence Day celebration takes place in Mexico City's Zocalo, which is decorated from the beginning of September with red, white and green lights and flags. On the 15th, at 11 pm the President of the Republic goes out onto the central balcony of the National Palace (Palacio Nacional), rings the bell (the same bell Hidalgo rang in 1810) and shouts to the people gathered in the square below: Viva Mexico! The crowd responds: Viva! Fireworks light up the sky as the crowd cheers.
The celebrations continue on the 16th with civic ceremonies and parades - the largest taking place in Mexico City, but perhaps the most touching festivities are those in small communities in which school children of all ages participate.
Independence Day foods:
Like most festivities, certain foods are considered representative of Independence Day. A favorite is pozole, a soup made of hominy and pork. Other foods have the colors of the Mexican flag - red white and green, like chiles en nogada.