Mexican Independence Day - September 16 Updated August 22, 2016. Mexico's Independence Day - September 16: Mexico celebrates its independence every September 16 with parades, festivals, feasts, parties and more. Mexican flags are everywhere and the main plaza in Mexico City is packed. But what’s the history behind the date of September 16? Prelude to Mexican Independence : Long before 1810, Mexicans had begun to chafe under Spanish rule . Spain kept a stranglehold on her colonies, only permitting them limited trade opportunities and generally appointing Spaniards (as opposed to native-born Creoles) to important colonial posts. To the north, the United States had won its independence decades before, and many Mexicans felt they could, too. In 1808, Creole patriots saw their chance when Napoleon invaded Spain and imprisoned Ferdinand VII. This allowed Mexican and South American rebels to set up their own governments and yet claim loyalty to the imprisoned Spanish King. Conspiracies: In Mexico, the creoles decided the time had come for independence . continue reading below our video What Is Mexican Independence Day? It was a dangerous business, however.

There might have been chaos in Spain, but the mother country still controlled the colonies. In 1809-1810 there were several conspiracies, most of which were found out and the conspirators harshly punished. In Querétaro, an organized conspiracy including several prominent citizens was preparing to make its move at the end of 1810. The leaders included parish priest Father Miguel Hidalgo , Royal army officer Ignacio Allende , government official Miguel Dominguez, cavalry captain Juan Aldama and others. The date of October 2 was selected for the insurrection against Spain to begin. El Grito de Dolores: In early September, however, the conspiracy began to unravel. The plot had been found out and one by one the conspirators were being rounded up by colonial officials. On September 15, 1810, Father Miguel Hidalgo heard the bad news: the jig was up and the Spanish were coming for him. On the morning of the 16th, Hidalgo took to the pulpit in the town of Dolores and made a shocking announcement: he was taking up arms against the tyrannies of the Spanish government and his parishioners were all invited to join him.

This famous speech became known as "El Grito de Dolores," Or the "Cry of Dolores." Within hours Hidalgo had an army: a large, unruly, poorly armed but resolute mob. March to Mexico City: Hidalgo, assisted by military man Ignacio Allende, led his army towards Mexico City. Along the way they laid siege to the town of Guanajuato and fought off the Spanish defense at the Battle of Monte de las Cruces . By November he was at the gates of the city itself, with angry army large enough to take it. Yet Hidalgo inexplicably retreated, perhaps turned aside by fears of a large Spanish army coming to reinforce the city. Fall of Hidalgo: In January of 1811, Hidalgo and Allende were routed at the Battle of Calderon Bridge by a much smaller but better-trained Spanish army. Forced to flee, the rebel leaders, along with some others, were soon captured. Allende and Hidalgo were both put to death in June and July of 1811. The peasant army had disbanded and it looked as if Spain had reasserted control over its unruly colony.

Mexican Independence is Won: But such was not the case. One of Hidalgo’s captains, José María Morelos, took up the banner of independence and fought until his own capture and execution in 1815. He was in turn succeeded by his own lieutenant, Vicente Guerrero and rebel leader Guadalupe Victoria, who fought for six more years until 1821, when they reached an agreement with turncoat royal officer Agustín de Iturbide which allowed for Mexico’s definitive liberation in September of 1821. Mexican Independence Celebrations : September 16 is one of Mexico's most important holidays. Every year, local mayors and politicians re-enact the famous Grito de Dolores. In Mexico City, thousands congregate in the Zócalo, or main square, on the night of the 15th to hear the President ring the same bell that Hidalgo did and recite the Grito de Dolores. The crowd roars, cheers and chants, and fireworks light up the sky. On the 16th, every city and town all over Mexico celebrates with parades, dances and other civic festivals.

Most Mexicans celebrate by hanging flags all over their home and spending time with family. A feast is usually involved. If the food can be made red, white and green (like the Mexican Flag) all the better! Mexicans that live abroad bring their celebrations with them. In US cities with large Mexican populations, such as Houston or Los Angeles, expatriate Mexicans will have parties and celebrations - you'll probably need a reservation to eat at any popular Mexican restaurant that day! Some people mistakenly believe that Cinco de Mayo , or May Fifth, is Mexico's independence day. That's not correct: Cinco de Mayo actually celebrates the unlikely Mexican victory over the French at the Battle of Puebla in 1862. Sources: Independence Day in Mexico Home Calendar Holidays Mexico Independence Day Independence Day in Mexico Independence Day (Día de la Independencia) is a Mexican holiday to celebrate the “cry of independence” on September 16, 1810, which started a revolt against the Spaniards. It follows from the day of the Cry of Dolores (El Grito de Dolores) , on September 15. Image of Miguel Hidalgo, a leader who fought for Mexico's independence.

Image of Miguel Hidalgo, who fought for Mexico's independence. ©iStockphoto.com/aolr Celebrate Independence Day Mexicans celebrate their country’s Independence Day with fireworks, parties (fiestas), food, dance and music on September 16. Flags, flowers and decorations in the colors of the Mexican flag – red, white and green – are seen in public areas in cities and towns in Mexico. Whistles and horns are blown and confetti is thrown to celebrate this festive occasion. "Viva Mexico" or "Viva la independencia” are shouted amidst the crowds on this day. Public Life Independence Day is a national public holiday in Mexico. Banks, schools, government offices and many businesses are closed. Some streets and roads may be closed or restricted in major cities to make way for large celebrations. People intending on travelling via public transport in Mexico should check with public transit authorities on any timetable or route changes. About Independence Day Independence Day celebrates the day Miguel Hidalgo is believed to have made the cry of independence (El Grito de la Independencia) in the town of Dolores, in the north-central part of the Mexican state of Guanajuato.

Hidalgo was one of the nation’s leaders during the War of Independence in Mexico. There is no scholarly agreement on what was exactly said by Hidalgo, but his speech, also known as the cry of Dolores (el Grito de Dolores), was made on September 16, 1810 to motivate people to revolt against the Spanish regime. Hidalgo’s army fought against the Spanish soldiers in the fight for independence, but he was captured and executed on July 30, 1811. Mexico's independence was not declared until September 28, 1821. Did You Know? Miguel Hidalgo was a priest but was also known to have lived outside the parameters of celibacy. He was believed to have fathered children, including 2 daughters. Struggle for Mexican Independence - Mexico - HISTORY.com Struggle for Mexican Independence A+E Networks Introduction On September 16, 1810, a progressive priest named Miguel Hidalgo y Costilla became the father of Mexican independence with a historic proclamation urging his fellow Mexicans to take up arms against the Spanish government.

Known as the “Grito de Dolores,” Hidalgo’s declaration launched a decade-long struggle that ended 300 years of colonial rule, established an independent Mexico and helped cultivate a unique Mexican identity. Its anniversary is now celebrated as the country’s birthday. Google Background The land that is now Mexico fell into Spanish hands in August 1521 when Hernán Cortés and his army of conquistadors toppled the Aztec empire, ushering in three centuries of colonial rule and importing new diseases that decimated once-flourishing native populations. Under orders from the Spanish king, Charles V, Cortés founded a capital city—Ciudad de Mexico—on the ruins of Tenochtitlan, and a series of viceroys took command of the territory, which was dubbed New Spain. Did You Know? Despite his traditional education for the priesthood, Miguel Hidalgo y Costilla rejected or questioned many of Catholicism’s most fundamental tenets, including the Virgin birth, clerical celibacy and the existence of hell. The earliest revolt against the Spanish colonial government was led by Martín Cortés, the illegitimate son of Hernán Cortés and his translator, a Mayan-born woman known as La Malinche.

In the years leading up to the Mexican War of Independence, most plots to end Spanish rule were devised by Mexican-born Spaniards, or criollos, who ranked below native Europeans within Mexico’s highly stratified caste system. The criollos’ approach largely excluded indigenous Mexicans and mestizos—people of mixed ancestry like Martín Cortés—who were often deprived of the most basic political and civil rights. Mexican War of Independence Napoleon’s invasion and occupation of Spain from 1808 to 1813 heightened the revolutionary fervor in Mexico and other Spanish colonies. On September 16, 1810, Miguel Hidalgo y Costilla, a respected Catholic priest (and an unconventional one, given his rejection of celibacy and love of gambling) issued a passionate rallying cry known as the “Grito de Dolores” (“Cry of Dolores”) that amounted to a declaration of war against the colonial government. So named because it was publicly read in the town of Dolores, the Grito called for the end of Spanish rule in Mexico, the redistribution of land and a concept that the criollos’ earlier plans had deliberately omitted: racial equality.

Though a criollo himself, Hidalgo extended his call to arms to mestizos and people of indigenous descent; their significant contribution of manpower changed the tenor of the revolt. Hidalgo led his growing militia from village to village en route to Mexico City, leaving in their wake a bloodbath that he later came to deeply regret. Defeated at Calderón in January 1811, Hidalgo fled north but was captured and executed by firing squad in Chihuahua . Others took the helm of the rebellion, including José María Morelos y Pavón, Mariano Matamoros and Vicente Guerrero , who all led armies of indigenous and racially mixed revolutionaries against the Spanish royalists. Known as the Mexican War Of Independence, the conflict dragged on until 1821, when the Treaty of Córdoba established Mexico as an independent constitutional monarchy under Agustín de Iturbide. Just 18 months later, the republican insurgents Antonio López de Santa Anna and Guadalupe Victoria ousted the emperor and established the first Mexican Republic.

Celebrating Mexican Independence Although September 16, 1810, marked the beginning of Mexico’s struggle for independence rather than its ultimate achievement, the anniversary of the Grito de Dolores has been a day of celebration across Mexico since the late 19th century. The holiday begins on the evening of September 15 with a symbolic reenactment of Hidalgo’s historic proclamation by the president of the republic and the governor of each state. The next day, typical activities include parades, bullfights, rodeos and traditional dancing. In 2010, the festivities included a special—if somewhat macabre—feature: In honor of the country’s bicentennial, the remains of 12 men who fought for Mexican independence—including Hidalgo, Morelos, Matamoros and Guerrero—were exhumed in a military ceremony led by President Felipe Calderón. Many non-Mexicans, particularly in the United States, often mistake the Cinco de Mayo holiday for a celebration of Mexican independence; instead, it commemorates the Mexican army’s 1862 victory over France at the Battle of Puebla during the French-Mexican War.

Tags United Mexico, Their Independence Day Traditions United Mexico, Their Independence Day Traditions September 15, 2011 By Jessica 17 Comments ‘How does Mexico celebrate their Independence Day’ is a question I got the answers to as for the first time, I prepare to celebrate Mexico’s 201st Birthday in-country. In Mexico, September is known as “Mes de la Patria” (month of the homeland) and this year they celebrate their 201st anniversary of their independence from the Spanish. Now I know you’re probably asking yourself, “wasn’t Cinco de Mayo their Independence Day? What did I drink all that tequila for?” Well actually, no, 5 de Mayo is not their Independence Day! In fact ironically, Mexico doesn’t even celebrate it much as the USA does… but come September, you will see all of Mexico join together as the country is painted red, white, and green (colors of the Mexican flag). This is going to be my first year celebrating Mexico’s Independence Day and I’m pretty excited.

Now I have a lot of pride when it comes to the Fourth of July, it was really hard for me to spend it away from home this year as I daydreamed of the barbecues and bonfires, but I am really looking forward to immersing myself in Mexico’s celebrations. However, one thing I am completely clueless of is HOW they celebrate! Will there be watermelon and sloppy joes? Can I write my name in the air with a sparkler? So in order to make the most of this experience, I asked my Mexican friends to advise me on what I can expect this upcoming Independence Day… beyond the tequila. My friend explained it all and like in the USA, it is a holiday full of parties. The celebration actually starts on the 15th (the Eve of Independence Day) where kids usually attend a half day of school and throw a mini-fiesta complete with food stands, games and Mexican music. After work and school let out, traditionally, celebrations begin in anticipation for the main event “El Grito” in the Zócalo. Either celebrating with family or with friends, there is always a large dinner prepared first.

The traditional foods most commonly served are pozole, chiles rellenos, tamales, chiles en nogada and so forth. It is also a custom to drink agua de jamaica and agua de horchata. After dinner, the tequila drinking and piñata hitting that we all associate with Mexican fiestas begin. Like some cities in the USA, some in Mexico also impose “ley seca” or dry law; no sale of alcohol. Novelty Vendors School Fiestas Chiles en Nogada Following dinner, it’s time for “El Grito” where crowds of people meet in the gathering places of the cities and towns. The Zócalo’s are dazzled in red, white and green; people, flags, flowers and twinkling lights while vendors are lined selling whistles, horns, noise makers, face painting, sombreros, and anything in the colors of Mexico’s flag. If not participating live, usually people just watch the broadcasting of their respective state, or the largest gathering in Mexico’s capital, Distrito Federal (D.F.), on TV.

At the last strike of 11 o’ clock, the anxious crowd becomes silent as the President of Mexico (or the respective city’s official) steps out and rings a bell, symbolic of when Miguel Hidalgo rang the bell in 1810 to launch the fight against the Spanish. The bell rung by the President in D.F. is actually the original bell rung centuries ago in Guanajuato. It is proceeded with the “Grito de Dolores” where the leader shouts the names of heroic characters that were part of the war and the crowd echoes back “¡viva!”. It ends with “¡viva Mexico!” and “¡viva la independencia!”, as a series of more echoes of “¡viva!” are shouted in unison all across the country at the exact same time while showers of red, white and green confetti and steamers explode in the air. The national hymn is usually sung after with a display of fireworks and everyone keeps partying or heads home. The 16th of September is probably the most comparable to the 4thof July. A day off work filled with parades, school bands, cheerleaders and military.

You will also occasionally find rodeos and a mariachi band. What I find most absolutely interesting about Mexico’s celebrations opposed to any custom in the USA, is that it sounds so united. Everyone truly comes together to loudly and proudly fuse together at one single moment to commemorate their country and pride for it. As far as I know, the USA doesn’t have that one special unifying and acknowledging moment- but isn’t that what the day is all about? Although there will be no sparklers for me this year, the streets of Puerto Vallarta are boasting red, white and green and I am looking forward to celebrating in their series of events . I will report back after and let you know how my first Mexican Independence Day was. In the mean time, check out some more amazing articles about Mexico’s Independence Day. Disclosure: I am being compensated for my work in creating and managing content as a Contributor for the México Today Program. All stories, opinions and passion for all things México shared here are completely my own. Mexican Independence Day - 16 de septiembre Mexican Independence Day By Suzanne Barbezat Updated September 12, 2016. Mexico's independence from Spain is celebrated every year in September .

From the beginning of the month, Mexico's streets and buildings are festooned with an explosion of green, white and red, but the main events occur on the 15th and the 16th, when crowds gather in town squares across the nation to shout "Viva México!" Mexican patriotic spirit is embodied in a multitude of popular traditions. This is what you should know about this important national holiday. © Suzanne Barbezat When is Mexican Independence Day? This holiday is also referred to in Mexico by the date of the event: el Dieciseis de Septiembre (the 16th of September). It is one of Las Fiestas Patrias (the patriotic festivals), and is celebrated on the night of September 15 and all day on September 16. This is one of the most important fiestas of the year in Mexico, and the whole month of September is referred to as el mes de la patria (month of the homeland). Some people outside of Mexico confuse this holiday with Cinco de Mayo , but that is a different celebration.

continue reading below our video 5 Best Ways to Celebrate Mexican Independence Day © Suzanne Barbezat El Grito de Dolores Mexico's War of Independence officially began on September 15, 1810, when the priest Miguel Hidalgo y Costilla rang a bell and cried out to the townspeople to take up arms and rise up against the Spanish Crown, an event which is known as el grito de Dolores (the cry of Dolores), named after the town in Guanajuato state where it took place. Within no time the priest had assembled a large and unruly but resolute mob to march with him toward Mexico City, sparking the uprising against Spanish rule. Learn more about the history of the Cry of Dolores, and where to celebrate "El Grito" . The Mexican War of Independence, mural by Juan O'Gorman. © Suzanne Barbezat The Mexican War of Independence The Mexican War of Independence was an armed conflict between the people of Mexico and Spanish colonial authorities. The movement was initiated by criollos (Mexican-born people of Spanish descent), with mestizos and native people joining in the struggle, though each of these groups had different motives and goals.

The war lasted over a decade, and ended with the signing of the Treaty of Córdoba on August 24, 1821, ending three centuries of Spanish rule. Mexico's Coat of Arms Mexico's National Symbols Mexico's flag, the coat of arms, and the national anthem are Mexico's national symbols (los símbolos patrios), and they feature prominently in Independence Day celebrations and decorations. Read more about these national symbols: Photo Susana Gonzalez / Getty Images How to celebrate The day is celebrated with fireworks, flags, food, and parades. On the night of September 15th the cry of Dolores is re-enacted by local politicians in the public squares of most cities and towns throughout the country. On September 16 there are parades and civic ceremonies commemorating Mexico's independence. September 16 is a national holiday in Mexico: all schools, banks, and government offices are closed. For some fun ideas on how to celebrate, check out 10 Ways to Celebrate Mexican Independence Day . Photo by Masa Assassin , Creative Commons Patriotic Mexican Foods Chiles en Nogada is a Mexican dish which has the colors of the Mexican flag , and they're a favorite food for this holiday.

Pozole, a soup made of hominy and pork is also a popular food for Independence Day celebrations. As for drinks, tequila and mezcal fit the bill. For a really festive touch, try a Mexican flag shooter . To learn about some popular foods that are perfect for celebrating Mexico, see 6 Patriotic Mexican Dishes . Cinco de Mayo - Holidays - HISTORY.com Cinco de Mayo A+E Networks Introduction Cinco de Mayo—or the fifth of May—commemorates the Mexican army’s 1862 victory over France at the Battle of Puebla during the Franco-Mexican War (1861-1867). A relatively minor holiday in Mexico, in the United States Cinco de Mayo has evolved into a celebration of Mexican culture and heritage, particularly in areas with large Mexican-American populations. Cinco de Mayo traditions include parades, mariachi music performances and street festivals in cities and towns across Mexico and the United States.

Google History of Cinco de Mayo: Battle of Puebla In 1861 the liberal Mexican Benito Juárez (1806-1872) became president of a country in financial ruin, and he was forced to default on his debts to European governments. In response, France, Britain and Spain sent naval forces to Veracruz to demand reimbursement. Britain and Spain negotiated with Mexico and withdrew, but France, ruled by Napoleon III (1808-1873), decided to use the opportunity to carve a dependent empire out of Mexican territory. Late in 1861, a well-armed French fleet stormed Veracruz, landing a large French force and driving President Juárez and his government into retreat. Certain that success would come swiftly, 6,000 French troops under General Charles Latrille de Lorencez (1814-1892) set out to attack Puebla de Los Angeles, a small town in east-central Mexico .

From his new headquarters in the north, Juárez rounded up a rag-tag force of 2,000 loyal men—many of them either indigenous Mexicans or of mixed ancestry—and sent them to Puebla. Led by Texas-born General Ignacio Zaragoza (1829-1862), the vastly outnumbered and poorly supplied Mexicans fortified the town and prepared for the French assault. On May 5, 1862, Lorencez drew his army, well provisioned and supported by heavy artillery, before the city of Puebla and led an assault from the north. The battle lasted from daybreak to early evening, and when the French finally retreated they had lost nearly 500 soldiers. Fewer than 100 Mexicans had been killed in the clash. Although not a major strategic win in the overall war against the French, Zaragoza’s success at Puebla represented a great symbolic victory for the Mexican government and bolstered the resistance movement. Six years later—thanks in part to military support and political pressure from the United States, which was finally in a position to aid its besieged neighbor after the end of the Civil War—France withdrew.

The same year, Austrian Archduke Ferdinand Maximilian, who had been installed as emperor of Mexico by Napoleon in 1864, was captured and executed by Juárez’s forces. Puebla de Los Angeles was renamed for General Zaragoza, who died of typhoid fever months after his historic triumph there. Cinco de Mayo in Mexico Within Mexico, Cinco de Mayo is primarily observed in the state of Puebla, where Zaragoza’s unlikely triumph occurred, although other parts of the country also take part in the celebration. Traditions include military parades, recreations of the Battle of Puebla and other festive events. For many Mexicans, however, May 5 is a day like any other: It is not a federal holiday, so offices, banks and stores remain open. Cinco de Mayo in the United States In the United States, Cinco de Mayo is widely interpreted as a celebration of Mexican culture and heritage, particularly in areas with substantial Mexican-American populations. Chicano activists raised awareness of the holiday in the 1960s, in part because they identified with the victory of indigenous Mexicans over European invaders during the Battle of Puebla.

Today, revelers mark the occasion with parades, parties, mariachi music, Mexican folk dancing and traditional foods such as tacos and mole poblano. Some of the largest festivals are held in Los Angeles, Chicago and Houston. Confusion with Mexican Independence Day Many people outside Mexico mistakenly believe that Cinco de Mayo is a celebration of Mexican independence, which was declared more than 50 years before the Battle of Puebla. That event is commemorated on September 16, the anniversary of the revolutionary priest Miguel Hidalgo y Costilla’s famous “Grito de Dolores” (“Cry of Dolores”), a call to arms that amounted to a declaration of war against the Spanish colonial government in 1810. Tags Hispanic Heritage Month | County of Los Angeles Public Library County of Los Angeles Public Library How do I...? Choose One History of National Hispanic Heritage Month | Chicano Resource Center Events | Additional Information History of National Hispanic Heritage Month National Hispanic Heritage Month is a national recognition of the culture, contributions and heritage of Hispanic Americans. This national observance was first established by Public Law 90-498, approved September 17, 1968 by the 90th Congress.

Public Law 90-468 authorized the president to proclaim National Hispanic Heritage Week each year. On August 17, 1988, the 100th Congress enacted Public Law 100-402, which extended the observance from a week to a month. The annual observance is now a 31-day period beginning on September 15 and ending on October 15. The months of September and October cover a wide range of independence days for Latin American countries. Costa Rica, El Salvador, Guatemala, Honduras and Nicaragua all celebrate their independence on September 15. Mexico celebrates its independence on September 16, Chile on September 18 and Belize on September 21st. El Día de la Raza (Columbus Day) is observed on October 12. >>back to top Chicano Resource Center Events The Chicano Resource Center at the East Los Angeles Library was established to serve the information needs of the Mexican-American (Chicano) community and to make information about the history and culture of this group available to the general public. Join us to celebrate HIspanic Heritage Month. Click on the links below for additional event information.

Mexican Independence New Spain-Index | Coahuila y Tejas-Index Mexican Independence With these developments, Texas became part of an independent Mexico and the "Lone Star" of hope for a second democratic, multi-cultural Federal Republic in America. Diez y seis de Septiembre (16 September)--Texans, may we always revere and celebrate this milestone of our liberty and independence-- Don Guillermo "a todo el mundo...[I am] repentent for the incalculable ills which have originated out of the frenzy which possessed [me] to break so scandalously with the King, the nation, and Christian morality..." --Statement extracted by Inquisitors prior to execution 1811 The stage for the upheaval and dissatisfaction that gave rise to Mexican independence was set by political and economic changes in Europe and its American colonies of the late 18th and 19th centuries. The French revolution and Napoleonic wars diverted attention of Spain from its colonies leaving a vacuum and increasing dissatisfaction and desire for local government. The forced removal of Ferdinand VII from the Spanish throne and his replacement by Joseph Bonaparte, Napoleon's brother presented opportunity for Mexican intelligentsia to promote independence in the name of the legitimate Spanish king.

From its inception the colonial government of New Spain was dominated by Spanish born Peninsulares or Guachapins, who held most leadership positions in the church and government, in contrast to Mexican-born Criollos (Creoles) who were the ten to one majority. Neither Peninsulares or upper class Criollos desired to involve the masses of native Indians and mestizos in government or moves for local control. In 1808 the Peninsulares learned of Viceroy Jose de Iturrigaray s intent to form a junta with Creole factions, a move that he thought might make him King of an independent Mexican kingdom. In an armed attack on the palace, Peninsulares arrested Iturrigaray and replaced him with puppet Pedro Garibay after which they carried out bloody reprisals against Criollos who were suspected of disloyalty. Although reform movements paused, political and economic instability in Europe continued as well as hardship and unrest in the Americas. One liberal organization that was forced underground was the Literary Club of Queretaro which formed for intellectual discussion, but in practice became a planning organization for revolution.

Independence- and reform-oriented thinkers also began to consider enlisting the native Indian, mestizo and lower class masses in wresting control from the Peninsulares and in armed independence movements. Queretaro was an important agricultural region that had suffered extensively by economic stalemate and failure. An active member of the group was Father Miguel Hidalgo y Costilla, a well-educated liberal priest who questioned policies of the church including clerical celibacy, banning certain literature, infallibility of the pope and the virgin birth of Christ. Hidalgo became the curator of Dolores in 1803 with primarily an Indian congregation whose languages he spoke and to whom he administered practical skills of life as much as religious doctrine. In Queretaro, Hidalgo met Capt. Ignacio Allende, a revolutionary thinker in the Spanish army. In spring 1810, Allende and Hidalgo planned an uprising for December of the year that leaked out to Spanish authorities and their arrest was ordered. In September 1810, Father Hidalgo was forced to prematurely distribute the Grito de Dolores to his parishoners and nearby residents which was an appeal for social and economic reform.

With little organization and no training, essentially a mob of thousands of primarily Indians and mestizos overwhelmed royal forces in Guanajuato, and proceeded to murder and loot both Peninsulares, Criollos and other "whites" in their path. The force continued to Mexico City and defeated royalist on the outskirts, but did not enter and occupy the city after which the ragged revolutionary army returned home. Hidalgo and his Creole officers were later able to assemble an army of 80,000 by payment with looted Peninsulare gold and assets. Viceroy Francisco Javier Venegas, and his soon to be successor Gen. Félix María Calleja del Rey responded to the insurgency with a vengeance and in January 1811 Hidalgo suffered a serious defeat outside Guadalajara where rebel forces were routed at Calderon Bridge. Bloody retaliation followed by mass executions of suspected rebel sympathizers by Spanish crown forces under Viceroy Calleja del Rey. Hidalgo and associates turned toward the northern provinces Nuevo Santander, Nuevo León, Coahuila and Texas for refuge where local sympathy for the rebellion and independence continued.

Royalist forces in Nuevo Santander refused to fight against the insurgents as well as troops under Governor Manuel Antonio Cordero y Bustamante in Coahuila. As the royalist forces moved north to crush resistance, it was only in Coahuila and Texas that revolutionary events continued. On 21 March 1811, a periodic rebel turned loyalist, Ignacio Elizondo , ambushed Ignacio Allende, Father Hidalgo and associates at the Wells of Baján on the road to Monclova in Coahuila. Hidalgo and associates were captured and executed in Chihuahua. sdct Hidalgo Archives: Selected Original Documents Father Hidalgo's Grito de Dolores From The Hidalgo Revolt by Hugh Hamill. At the core of Mexican patriotism is Hidalgo's Grito de Dolores. Every year, on the night of September 15-16, the President of the Republic "reenacts" the Grito on a balcony of the National Palace as the climax of the Independence Day celebrations. To do this with historical accuracy is well-nigh impossible, for no one knows precisely what Hidalgo said. The three principal contemporary reports fail to agree.

Sotelo's account, the most confused and least authoritative, stated that the Grito was a short speech made from the window of the priest's house to the first group of followers who assembled before dawn. Hidalgo "animated them to begin vigorously the enterprise of our Independence, and raising his voice with great valor, said: Long Live Our Lady of Guadalupe, Long Live Independence." Pedro Garcia, who probably did not join the insurgent army until it passed through his native San Miguel el Grande, reported that after all the events of the night had occurred people began to assemble for early morning Mass at the parish church. They found no one there to conduct the service. Having heard rumors of the Cura's midnight activities, a large number of parishioners gathered in front of Hidalgo's house. The priest, seeing it was time to explain his actions and gain more adherents, came out of the entrance hall and said, "My friends and countrymen: neither the king nor tributes exist for us any longer. We have borne this shameful tax, which only suits slaves, for three centuries as a sign of tyranny and servitude; [a] terrible stain which we shall know how to wash away with our efforts.

The moment of our freedom has arrived, the hour of our liberty has struck; and if you recognized its great value, you will help me defend it from the ambitious grasp of the tyrants. Only a few hours remain before you see me at the head of the men who take pride in being free. I invite you to fulfill this obligation. And so without a patria nor liberty we shall always be at a great distance from true happiness. It has been imperative to take this step as now you know, and to begin this has been necessary. The cause is holy and God will protect it. The arrangements are hastily being made and for that reason I will not have the satisfaction of talking to you any longer. Long live, then, the Virgin of Guadalupe! Long live America for which we are going to fight!" Juan de Aldama's account of the Grito was recorded only a few months after the event. His version indicates some practical considerations but omits mention of any climactic conclusion to Hidalgo's speech.

At about eight o'clock in the morning "there were gathered more than six hundred men on foot and horseback for it was Sunday and they had come to Mass from the nearby Ranches, and the cura exhorted them to join him and help him defend the Kingdom because they [Yermo, Aguirre, et al.] wanted to turn it over to the French: that now oppression had reached an end: that there was no longer any tribute: that those who enlisted with horses and Arms would be paid a peso daily, and those on foot four reales." Aldama added that "the delivery of the Kingdom to the French was nothing more than a pretext for a very opposite end." We know from Hidalgo's own statements that he was convinced from the start that independence should be the goal of the rebellion. This conviction was known by Captain Arias before the Grito, for Juan Ochoa wrote on September 11 that "Dr.

[sic] Hidalgo Cura of Dolores is the principal promoter and [he] who suggests the ideas, and his plan is reduced to independence." Nevertheless, it is extremely doubtful that Hidalgo repudiated the King and raised the cry of "Long Live Independence!" Aldama's version of Hidalgo's address is the most reliable. In view of the early insistence by insurgent proclamations that the Revolt was to protect the Kingdom from the French and that all was being carried out in the name of Ferdinand VII, it seems most unlikely that Hidalgo would have rejected this approach at the beginning---the most crucial and vulnerable moment of any rebellion. The fear of the French and the good name of Ferdinand were successful devices for arousing popular enthusiasm. Even Hidalgo with all his impetuosity was not so rash as to risk failure by making the wrong appeal to the masses.

He probably recalled Pedro Septien's reminder, reported in Allende's letter of August 31, that "the Indians were indifferent to the word liberty." The most convincing argument against the use of "Independence" in the Grito lies in the fact that Hidalgo and the others were successful in capturing Dolores and raising an initial army of between 500 and 800 men. If such success had been achieved in the name of independence, why did revolutionary propaganda for the next two months rely so heavily on the promise to support Ferdinand VII? What Hidalgo said in Dolores will probably never be known. It is reasonable to suppose, however, that the climax of his speech included one or all of the following: Long Live Ferdinand VII! Long Live America! Long Live Religion! and Death to Bad Government! The plans of the Valladolid Conspiracy provided a precedent for abolition of the tribute and outlaw of slavery and the caste system to attract the Indians ["naturals" or American natives]. We may be almost certain that Hidalgo promised its end (see Hidalgo's Edict Against Slavery ). Exploitation of the French threat led naturally to a declaration in defense of religion, another subject of mass appeal.

Many believed that Spanish authorities had accepted the anti-Catholic views of the French Revolution. The incorporation of the Virgin of Guadalupe as the principal standard of the rebels took place later in the same day. The cry of "Long Live Our Lady of Guadalupe" was probably not raised until then. Among the Queretaro Conspirators was a grocer named Epigmenio González (1778-1858) whose store and personal effects were seized upon discovery of the Hidalgo conspiracy in fall 1810. The sketch at left was among Gonzales's papers which is a cartoon using the historic Aztec symbol of an eagle perched on cactus. Instead of the snake, the tail of the Spanish lion is in the Mexican eagle's mouth. The lion cries "Long Live America." The caption at top reads "If you confess that America lives, you die, and if you do not die, you will be shorn of your tail, left abject, and stripped of your dominion, pride and honor." The cartoon is thought to depict the intellectual political thinking of the criollos insurgents at a time when most of European Spain was under French domination.

There was no way that Spain would admit French influence over New Spain (America). If America separate from France was acknowledged, then French domination of European Spain is admitted. If Spain does not recognize New Spanish America and hold her, then Mexico will fill the gap. The crown above the eagle is thought to suggest that the conspirators objective was autonomy under the monarchy. sdct "Lord , if I have done well, thou knowest it; if ill, to thy infinite mercy I commend my soul."--Last statement prior to execution 1815 "...... with three such men as Jose Morelos, I could conquer the world."---Napoleon Bonaparte If Morelos had lived to the year 1821, Iturbide would not have been able to take control of the national insurrection; and the nation would not have passed through a half century of shameful and bloody revolution which caused it to lose half of its territory.

Today it would be the powerful republic which we would have expected from seventy years of development initiated by the courage, the abnegation, prudence, and political skill, of which that extraordinary man was the model--written by Porfirio Diaz in 1891 in the album of tributes to Morelos in Casa de Morelos in Morelia (Banner at top right is the Battle Flag of Morelos forces inscribed in Latin "She conquers equally with her eyes and her talons.") After Hidalgos death, mestizo parish priest José Morelos was able to organize a number of the independent chieftains across Mexico, established a Congress which created a declaration of rights and independence from Spain under King Ferdinand VII and a Constitution (See Sentimientos de la Nacion ) which included abolition of slavery and equality of classes (See Decree Concerning Castes ). Morelos, José María Cos and José María Liceaga served as an Executive Junta (Poder Ejecutivo). Father Morelos was captured while attempting to escort the Congress from Vallilodad to join the troops of Gen. Manuel Mier y Ter�n in Puebla.

He is said to have diverted the royal troops attention to a small diversionary force of which he was at the head from the Congress. After capture, Morelos was tried by both military tribunals and the Inquisition. He was defrocked/degraded and executed in December 1815. Gen. Manuel Mier y Terán inherited the leadership of the movement after the death of Morelos, but was unable to unite it. Diverse and independent guerrilla and militia with various motives and loyalties, hostile to the established order continued throughout the provinces including Texas. This dissension facilitated Viceroy Calleja's forces to sequentially crush or keep under control the fragmented movement. The subsequent Viceroy Juan Ruiz de Apodaca took a conciliatory stance offering amnesty to former rebels, which according to some historians was much more successful in pacification than the bloody reprisals of Calleja. Until 1820, any organized movement for Mexican independence, except the filibustering action of Xavier Mina and others primarily based in Texas, lay dormant.

sdct Morelos Archives: Selected Original Documents Emperor Agustín Iturbide "Mexicans!...tell your children ...to think with kindness of the first Chief of the Army of the Three Guarantees...if my children should stand in need of your protection, remember that their father spent the best season of his life in laboring for your welfare!"---Iturbide prior to execution 1824 Motivated by events in Spain which forced post-Napoleonic and tyrannical King Ferdinand VII to restore elements of constitutional government (Constitution of 1812), former Royalist commander Agustín Iturbide, a mestizo accepted as a criollo who opposed the insurgent approach to independence, formed a junta with revolutionary Vicente Guerro to engineer Mexican independence in 1821. He was first groomed by church officials, plotters of the Church of Profesa, whose power and wealth was threatened by liberal Spanish reforms. Independence and maintenance of their local authority in Mexico was their only recourse.

They persuaded the Viceroy to appoint Iturbide head of the force preparing to destroy Vicente Guerrero's stronghold, one of the most consistent and most active resistance leader from the time of Morelos' death. Instead of a battle and backed by other conservative and liberal factions in Mexico, they formulated and announced on 24 Feb 1821 the Plan de Iguala after the village of their meeting in the current state of Guerrero. The plan for a constitutional monarchy called for an independent Mexican nation with limited monarchy with the Bourbons having first right to the throne, but if declined an emperor would be elected. Also known as the Plan, Army, or Government of the Three Guarantees (Las Tres Garantias), provided for protection of the Catholic faith without toleration for other and rights and properties of the clergy, Mexican independence and equality of Peninsulares and American Criollos. Numerous factions including older and inactive revolutionaries, new criollo chieftains formed since the death of Morelos and officers of the royal government began to join the movement. The position of Emperor was offered to Ferdinand VII himself provided he would occupy the throne in person and uphold a Constitution of Mexico.

Viceroy Apodaca was offered the position of President of a junta to implement the new government, but declared against it and resigned. Newly-appointed and last Viceroy of New Spain, Juan de ODonoju, arrived and assessing the situation agreed to meet and accept the Plan of Iguala which resulted in the Treaty of Cordova of 24 Aug 1821. A Junta resulted with Iturbide as Admiral and Generalissimo. After the death of ODonoju and formation of a factionalized Congress of Bourbonites, Republicans and Imperialists, Iturbide was proclaimed as Emperor of Mexico by his military and the Congress was dissolved. (photo: The Charlotte & Maximilian Collection ) sdct With these developments, Texas became part of an independent Mexico and the "Lone Star" of hope for a second democratic, multi-cultural Federal Republic in America. Hispanic Heritage Month 2014: Central America Independence Day, 193 Years Later as 5 Countries Continue to Improve Future : World : Latin Post Share This Tweet This With a declaration by Central American Criollos on Sept. 15, 1821, five countries announced their independence from Spain.

The date would later signify the start of National Hispanic Heritage Month in the U.S. The five Central American countries -- Costa Rica, El Salvador, Guatemala, Honduras and Nicaragua -- are celebrating 193 years of independence. While the five countries would be recognized by different names over the next several decades, including the Federal Republic of Central America and the Greater Republic of Central America, the countries would later mold their own and respective sovereign territories. According to the White House, this year's theme for National Hispanic Heritage Month is "Hispanics: A Legacy of History, a Present of Action and a Future of Success." President Barack Obama and his administration have made attempts to improve partnerships with the five Central American countries. In regards to better collaboration with El Salvador, Obama said in March 2013 the region is " on the move " and "ready to assume a greater role in world affairs." Advertisement "And for all these reasons, I believe that Latin America is more important to the prosperity and security of the United States than ever before. With no other region does the United States have so many connections.

And nowhere do we see that more than in the tens of millions of Hispanic Americans across the United States, who enrich our society, grow our economy and strengthen our nation every single day," said Obama. Millions of people are expected to celebrate in the streets to showcase their country's flags, which have all kept the blue and white theme. According to Alma Latina , the countries celebrate with military-style parades, bands and other forms of entertainment. Since 2013, the Central American countries have made headlines in the U.S. for numerous reasons. Costa Rica, with the smallest population of the five countries -- 4.8 million -- has looked to improve foreign direct investments with prominent U.S. companies launching operations in the country while trying to fix tax methods for companies trying to evade taxation . With the largest population of 14.6 million, Honduras recently made efforts to improve security and intelligence communication by partnering with the U.S. Department of Homeland Security's Immigration and Customs Enforcement. Advertisement Honduras, El Salvador and Guatemala have also partnered to improve immigration systems in their countries, Mexico and the U.S. With millions of Central Americans now in the U.S., Latinos have also made efforts to improve the lives of fellow Central Americans.

According to We Belong Together Co-Chair Andrea Cristina Mercado, Central American immigrant women and their families "give so much" to the U.S. With We Belong Together, Central American families from Miami to Washington, D.C. this week were able share their experiences of having members of their family deported. "Central American immigrants make important contributions to our nation and our economy, many labor as restaurant workers, farmworkers, construction workers, domestic workers, and open businesses at sky high rates, and they have been disproportionately affected by the deportation crisis plaguing our country," said Mercado, who's also campaign director for the National Domestic Workers Alliance. "Central Americans have been strong leaders in advocating for immigrant rights," Mercado added. "From 8-year-old Jason who courageously told the story of his Guatemalan father's deportation to members of Congress and reporters, to Mayra, originally from Honduras, who worries about her children being deported after braving the border crossing alone fleeing gang violence, the legacy of Central American resistance lives on." With families and friends together, Latinos have celebrated Hispanic Heritage Month with music and food that " extol " their country's culture.

"Even though [U.S.] respondents largely don't celebrate this month, 73 percent consider it extremely important or very important that companies and organizations recognize and celebrate Hispanic Heritage Month and the contributions Hispanics have made to the U.S.," noted the Nielsen report " How Latinos Celebrate Hispanic Heritage Month And Beyond ." SEE ALSO

Question: During which month of the year does Mexico celebrate its independence from Spain?
Answer: September