¡Viva Mexico!
On September 16th, Mexicans around the world come together to celebrate their cherished Independence Day.
This historic occasion marks the day in 1810 when Miguel Hidalgo y Costilla, a priest and revolutionary leader, ignited the flame of freedom by ringing the church bell in a small village called Dolores.
It was the call for an uprising against Spanish colonial rule and is known as the “Grito de Dolores”
Hidalgo’s leadership inspired a diverse group of followers, including indigenous peoples and mestizos, as their forces grew in size. They captured several cities and towns, but the revolutionaries faced challenges from the mighty force of the Spanish army.
Ultimately, Miguel Hidalgo y Costilla was captured by Spanish forces in 1811 and executed by firing squad on July 30, 1811.
Despite his capture and execution, Miguel Hidalgo’s legacy lived on and the Mexican War of Independence continued under the leadership of others like José María Morelos and Vicente Guerrero. In 1821, Mexico finally achieved its independence from Spain. Hidalgo is remembered as a symbol of Mexican independence and is celebrated every year on September 16th.
To start the celebrations
On the night of the 15th. the president stands on the balcony in the National Palace in Mexico City, and leads the crowd in the Grito.
The political leader says the first part and the crowd responds “¡Viva!”
¡Vivan los heroes que nos dieron patria! ¡Viva!
¡Viva Hidalgo! ¡Viva!
¡Viva Morelos! ¡Viva!
¡Viva Josefa Ortiz de Dominguez! ¡Viva!
¡Viva Allende! ¡Viva!
¡Vivan Aldama y Matamoros! ¡Viva!
¡Viva nuestra independencia! ¡Viva!
¡Viva Mexico! ¡Viva!
¡Viva Mexico! ¡Viva!
¡Viva Mexico! ¡Viva!
Long live the heroes who gave us our homeland! Viva!
Viva Hidalgo! Viva!
Viva Morelos! Viva!
Viva Josefa Ortiz de Dominguez! Viva!
Viva Allende! Viva!
Viva Aldama and Matamoros! Viva!
Viva our independence! Viva!
Viva Mexico! Viva!
Viva Mexico! Viva!
Viva Mexico! Viva!
Let the celebrations commence.
