An Overview of September Celebrations in Mexico
September in Mexico is a month brimming with patriotic fervor and cultural celebrations, widely recognized as “el Mes de la Patria” or “the month of the homeland.” Across the nation, streets, homes, and public buildings are festooned with the vibrant red, white, and green colors of the Mexican flag, setting a festive and proud atmosphere.
The most significant celebration is Mexican Independence Day (Día de la Independencia), officially observed on September 16th. This national holiday commemorates the start of Mexico’s War of Independence from Spain in 1810. On this day, government offices, banks, and schools are closed.
Key aspects of the Independence Day celebrations include:
- El Grito de Dolores (The Cry of Dolores): The Independence Day festivities formally begin on the evening of September 15th. Around 11:00 PM, the President of Mexico reenacts Father Miguel Hidalgo y Costilla’s historic “Grito de Dolores” from the balcony of the National Palace in Mexico City’s Zócalo. This powerful call to arms, originally delivered in 1810, rallied people to rise against Spanish colonial rule. During the reenactment, the President rings the same bell Hidalgo used, acknowledging the heroes of independence and concluding with three resounding shouts of “¡Viva México!” Similar ceremonies are held by governors and municipal presidents in town squares across the country, where enthusiastic crowds gather to participate.
- Nationwide Festivities: The Grito ceremony is followed by spectacular fireworks displays, live mariachi music, traditional folk dancing, and lively street parties. The festive atmosphere is amplified by an abundance of typical Mexican dishes, such as chiles en nogada, pozole, tostadas, tacos, birria, and mole. Traditional drinks like tequila, mezcal, and pulque are also popular.
- Parades and Civic Ceremonies: On September 16th, various parades and civic ceremonies take place across Mexico to commemorate Independence Day, showcasing national pride and heritage.
Beyond Independence Day, other notable September observances contribute to the month’s rich tapestry of celebrations:
- Commemoration of the Niños Héroes (September 13th): This civic holiday honors the “Niños Héroes” (Boy Heroes), six young Mexican military cadets who bravely defended Chapultepec Castle on September 13, 1847, during the Battle of Chapultepec against invading U.S. forces. Commemorations often include parades and gun ceremonies, particularly at Chapultepec Castle in Mexico City.
- Josefa Ortiz de Domínguez’s Birthday (September 8th): This date recognizes the birth of Josefa Ortiz de Domínguez, also known as “La Corregidora.” She was a crucial figure in the independence movement, informing Miguel Hidalgo y Costilla about the discovery of the Querétaro conspiracy, which prompted him to launch the uprising earlier than planned.
Throughout the month, various regional festivals and cultural events also take place, further enriching the festive atmosphere. These can include music festivals like the Mariachi Festival in Guadalajara, significant regional fairs such as the Feria Nacional de Zacatecas (running from approximately September 5th to 23rd), and local patron saint celebrations like the Fiesta de San Miguel in San Miguel de Allende, which honors Saint Michael Archangel. The Fiestas Patrias Fair in Dolores Hidalgo, Guanajuato, and the San Pedro Cholula Fair in Puebla are also notable events during this “Month of the Homeland.”
