Every year, on September 16th, Mexico celebrates its Day of Independence, a national holiday filled with vibrant festivities, deep-rooted traditions, and immense pride.
Join us as we explore the history, traditions, and of course, the role of mezcal in this grand celebration of national pride.
The History of Mexican Independence Day
The history of Mexican Independence Day dates back to 1810, when the Mexican people, tired of years of oppression under Spanish colonial rule, started their fight for independence against the Spanish kingdom.
The war, which lasted 10 years, until 1821, was ignited by Miguel Hidalgo, a Catholic priest who, in the small town of Dolores, rang the church bells and delivered the famous “Grito de Dolores” (Cry of Dolores), calling for an end to Spanish rule.
This moment is reenacted every year on the evening of September 15 as a tribute to Hidalgo’s bravery and the enduring spirit of freedom.
Why September 16 is Mexico’s Day of Independence
The night of September 15 is just as important, with cities across Mexico hosting reenactments of the “Grito” to kick off the festivities.
The celebrations extend into September 16, marking Mexico’s official Independence Day with parades, fireworks, and ceremonies.
Mexican Independence Day Traditions and Symbols
Same as with everything related to Mexico, tradition plays a huge role in Mexican Independence Day celebrations.
Everywhere you look, you’ll see the vibrant colors of the Mexican flag—green, white, and red—symbolizing hope, unity, and the blood of those who fought for freedom.
People tend to wear traditional Mexican clothing, such as charro suits for men and colorful embroidered dresses for women, highlighting the country’s rich cultural heritage.
In homes, streets, and city squares, the Mexican national anthem is sung proudly, and the “Grito de Dolores” is shouted by political leaders and citizens alike.
These symbols and traditions foster a sense of unity, celebrating the spirit of Mexico’s independence.
How Mexico Celebrates on September 15 and 16
Normally, the celebrations begin on the night of September 15, with the President of Mexico leading the reenactment of the “Grito” from the National Palace in Mexico City’s Zócalo. Fireworks light up the sky, and the streets fill with music and festivities.
On September 16, the celebrations continue with military parades, traditional music, and local fairs in towns and cities across the country.
Food and Drinks: The Heart of Mexican Independence Day Celebrations
Celebrate Mexico’s Independence Day with Mezcal
Food is an essential part of Mexico’s cultura and for that extento, to any Mexican Independence Day celebration.
Families and friends gather to enjoy traditional dishes that have been passed down through generations. Some of the most popular foods include chiles en nogada, a dish that symbolizes the colors of the Mexican flag, and pozole, a hearty soup made from hominy and pork.
Street vendors of all the Mexican cities offer elote (grilled corn), tacos, and other favorites, while bakeries serve pan dulce (sweet bread) to satisfy everyone’s sweet appetite.
No Mexican celebration is complete without a toast, and during Independence Day, Mezcal, as one of it’s traditional and sacred mexican spirits, plays a starring role.
Celebrate Mexico’s Independence Day with Mezcal
Mezcal is deeply tied to Mexico’s heritage and makes for a perfect addition to the Independence Day celebrations.
Although it’s traditionally savored neat, here are a few Mezcal-based cocktails to introduce you to the world of this spirit and to celebrate Mexican Independence Day:
- Mezcal Margarita – A classic with a smoky twist, combining mezcal with fresh lime juice, a touch of agave syrup, triple sec, and margarita bitters.
- Oaxacan Negroni – A bold mix of mezcal, amaro, and sweet vermouth, perfect for those who love strong and flavorful drinks.
- Mezcal Paloma – A refreshing combination of mezcal, pink grapefruit soda, grapefruit and lime juice, and agave syrup.
For more creative Mezcal cocktails, be sure to check out our Mezcal Cocktail Recipes and add a unique twist to your festivities.
Conclusion
Mexican Independence Day is much more than just a holiday—it’s a celebration of Mexico’s rich history, enduring culture, and national pride.
From the Grito de Dolores to the military parades, every aspect of this day serves as a reminder of the sacrifices made for freedom and the unity of the Mexican people.
As we celebrate Mexican Independence Day, we at Del Maguey are reminded of the importance of preserving traditions while embracing progress.
Just as Mexico’s journey to independence was marked by courage and perseverance, we continue to honor the artisanal methods and cultural significance of Mezcal production.
Let’s raise our Mezcal copita together and hope you have a memorable and amazing Mexican Independence Day. Salud!
