What are some facts about Mexican Independence Day? Celebrated on September 16th each year, Mexican Independence Day is a significant national holiday that commemorates the country’s struggle for freedom from Spanish rule. Here are some fascinating facts about this historic day that you might not know.
1. The Grito de Dolores: The event that sparked the Mexican War of Independence took place on September 16, 1810, when priest Miguel Hidalgo y Costilla delivered the Grito de Dolores, a call to arms for the liberation of Mexico from Spanish colonial rule. This speech is still recited annually on Mexican Independence Day.
2. The Flag: The Mexican flag, which features a green, white, and red horizontal stripe, symbolizes the ideals of independence, the Catholic faith, and the blood shed by those who fought for freedom. The green represents independence, the white represents the Catholic faith, and the red represents the blood of those who died for the nation.
3. The Hymn: The Mexican national anthem, “La Marcha Federal,” was composed in 1843 by Jaime Nuno, and it was adopted as the national anthem in 1943. The lyrics of the anthem were written by Jaime Nuno and were inspired by the Mexican War of Independence.
4. The Battle of Puebla: One of the most famous battles during the Mexican War of Independence was the Battle of Puebla, which took place on May 5, 1862. Mexican forces, led by General Ignacio Zaragoza, managed to defeat the French army, marking a significant victory for the independence movement.
5. The Mexican Constitution: The Mexican Constitution of 1917 is one of the oldest surviving constitutions in the world. It was drafted during the Mexican Revolution and has been amended several times since its inception. The Constitution is a cornerstone of Mexican political and social life and is still in effect today.
6. The Day of the Dead: While not directly related to Mexican Independence Day, the Day of the Dead (Día de los Muertos) is another important Mexican holiday celebrated on November 1 and 2. It is a time to honor the deceased and celebrate the continuity of life.
7. The Independence Day Celebrations: Mexican Independence Day is celebrated with various events and activities across the country. These include parades, military ceremonies, and fireworks. In Mexico City, the President of Mexico traditionally delivers the Grito de Dolores from the National Palace.
In conclusion, Mexican Independence Day is a day filled with rich history, cultural significance, and national pride. These facts highlight the importance of this holiday and the struggles that led to Mexico’s independence from Spanish rule.
