Mexicans celebrate their Independence Day

The traditional “Grito de Dolores” was yelled at midnight earlier today by President Vicente Fox as Mexicans everywhere (including Los Angeles, Texas, and Missouri) celebrated Mexican Independence day. Though the “Grito de Dolores” is traditionally celebrated in Mexico City’s Plaza de Zocalo, government officials moved it to the town of Dolores Hidalgo as a precaution against “violent threats.”

So why is today the date that Mexicans celebrate their country’s independence? It was on this day in 1810 the parish priest in the town of Hidalgo ran into his church and repeatedly rang the church bell while declaring Mexico’s independence from Spanish rule. (Hence, the “Grito de Dolores” which can be seen here via YouTube).

Unlike popular lore in the U.S., Cinco de Mayo commemorates the Mexican army’s victory over the French in the Battle of Puebla and is not Mexico’s Independence Day. (Image via Voice of America).

Mexico, history