On this day in history: Mexico celebrates Independence Day
On September 16, Mexico marks its national holiday, commemorating the independence war launched in 1810. The event is tied to priest Miguel Hidalgo's call for citizens to rise up.
Today, September 16, Mexico celebrates its most important national holiday — Independence Day. The date marks an event that, more than two centuries ago, laid the foundation for the country's struggle for self-rule.
Hidalgo's call to arms
On September 16, 1810, Miguel Hidalgo, the parish priest of the town of Dolores, summoned local residents to church by ringing the bell. Having gathered the townspeople inside, he called on them to rise up against Spanish colonial rule, which governed Mexico at the time.
The war begins
This appeal, known in history as the "Cry of Dolores," became the starting point of the Mexican War of Independence. The conflict dragged on for several years but ultimately led to the end of Spanish colonial dominance in the region.
The holiday today
Today, September 16 is a national holiday in Mexico dedicated to commemorating this historic event. The day is observed as a symbol of the country's independence and sovereignty, and it remains one of the most significant dates in Mexican history and national identity.
