Year after year on September 16, all of Mexico transforms into one big fiesta. Streets fill with people wearing the national colors, Mariachi music rings out from every corner, and the aroma of traditional Mexican food fills the air. But what exactly are our Mexican friends celebrating on this special day? The history behind it is more fascinating and complex than many realize.
Two Different Movements, One Common Goal
What is celebrated today as Mexican independence was actually the result of two completely different movements separated by eleven years. The first was a massive popular revolution; the second was a strategic political alliance – both indispensable for Mexico’s liberation.
On the morning of September 16, 1810, around eight o’clock, Father Miguel Hidalgo y Costilla rang the church bells in the small town of Dolores. Instead of conducting the usual Sunday mass, he called on his congregation to armed resistance against Spanish colonial rule. The exact words of this historic “Grito de Dolores” are disputed to this day, but its effect was immediate: tens of thousands of indigenous people, mestizos, miners, and laborers spontaneously joined the movement.
This first phase was a truly massive popular revolution – chaotic, passionate, and driven by social demands. Hidalgo and his successor José María Morelos fought not just for independence but also for the abolition of slavery, equal rights for all ethnicities, and land redistribution.
The Turning Years 1820-1821: When Power Shifted
After Morelos’ execution in 1815, the independence movement seemed nearly extinguished. Only a few guerrilla fighters like Vicente Guerrero kept resistance alive in the mountains of the south. But then everything changed in 1820: in Spain, a liberal constitution was established that threatened to strip conservative Creoles in Mexico of their privileges.
Suddenly, those very circles wanted independence – the same ones who had bitterly opposed it before. However, they needed the legitimacy of the original independence movement. Here comes one of the most fascinating twists in history: Agustín de Iturbide, a ruthless royalist officer who had spent years hunting rebels, approached his former enemy Vicente Guerrero in 1821.
What followed were letters between the opponents – a practice quite common at the time. Iturbide initially offered Guerrero capitulation, but he responded cleverly: he was interested, but only if it was about true independence. On February 10, 1821, both men met in Acatempan for that famous “Abrazo de Acatempan” – the embrace that sealed Mexico’s fate.
The Plan de Iguala: A Document for Everyone
On February 24, 1821, Iturbide and Guerrero announced the Plan de Iguala, a political masterpiece that offered something to virtually every social group. The “Tres Garantías” (Three Guarantees) – religion, independence, and union – were meant to unite all Mexicans, regardless of their background.
The newly formed Ejército Trigarante (Army of the Three Guarantees) united Guerrero’s experienced guerrilla fighters with Iturbide’s organized troops. On September 27, 1821, they marched triumphantly into Mexico City – after eleven years, independence was finally achieved.
How Mexico Celebrates Today: A Festival for All Senses
This complex history lives on in celebrations that captivate all of Mexico today. The heart of many celebrations are the “Verbenas Populares” – vibrant folk festivals found in many parts of Mexico. In many cities and towns, people gather in the zócalos, the central squares, to celebrate together.
The highlight of every celebration is the traditional “Grito de Independencia.” At precisely 11 p.m., the president in Mexico City (or the respective mayor in other cities) steps before the assembled crowd and calls out the names of independence heroes – Hidalgo, Morelos, Guerrero, and all the others. The crowd responds to each name with a loud “¡Viva!” The ritual ends with a triple chant of “¡Viva México!” that the masses enthusiastically repeat, followed by fireworks and more music.
Culinary Traditions: What Comes to the Table?
No Mexican Independence Day would be complete without the right food. At the big street festivals and Verbenas Populares, the full splendor of Mexican cuisine unfolds. Dozens of stands produce truly massive quantities of Mexican food: fresh tacos in every imaginable variation, crispy quesadillas, steaming tamales, and an seemingly endless selection of fried delicacies.
The culinary star of the evening in many regions is pozole – a hearty soup with hominy corn, pork, and aromatic red adobo. This traditional dish is often served in Mexican families on September 16 and has deep roots in pre-Columbian times. As a sweet accompaniment, buñuelos with piloncillo syrup are particularly popular – crispy, thin pastries fried in hot oil and topped with a warm syrup made from panela sugar, cinnamon, and sometimes guava.
Particularly impressive is the variety of salsas – from mild fruit creations to fiery hot versions with habaneros or chipotles. Every level of spiciness has its admirers here, and the art of salsa-making is passed down from generation to generation. From mild salsa verde with tomatillos to fiery salsa roja with roasted tomatoes and chiles – each region of Mexico has its own secret recipes.
From Acatempan to Berlin: Mexican Independence in Germany
Celebrating Mexican Independence Day is a global phenomenon – Mexican embassies worldwide organize elegant galas where the respective ambassador recreates the traditional “Grito” ritual. These events are usually exclusive: Mexican citizens can add themselves to waiting lists, while the embassy strategically invites business partners and friendly organizations.
Interestingly, though, is how celebrations have developed in Germany over the years – a clear indicator of the growing Mexican community. While in 2008 mostly only the embassy gala or a small celebration in a Mexican restaurant took place, interest literally exploded around 2018. Large community events emerged, and nowadays several events are promoted in parallel in different German cities like Berlin, Munich, and Frankfurt.
This development shows: it is primarily the Mexican immigrants themselves who keep their traditions alive and make the celebrations bigger year after year. What started as a small nostalgia gathering has become authentic folk festivals.
A Festival That Connects History and Present
Mexico’s Independence Day shows how two completely different political movements can create a national identity. From Hidalgo’s spontaneous popular uprising through Morelos’ social revolutionary ideals to the strategic alliance between Guerrero and Iturbide – all contributed to success.
Today, this festival connects history with enjoyment, tradition with innovation. It is more than just a historical memorial – it is a celebration of Mexican identity where everyone is welcome to join in and discover the rich culinary tradition.
Whether in the bustling streets of Mexico City, at an embassy gala in Berlin, or at a cozy celebration in a German Mexican restaurant – the spirit of September 16 lives on in every taco, every salsa, and every joyful “¡Viva México!”
Sources:
- Instituto de Investigaciones Históricas, UNAM: “Independencia de México. Lo más relevante de la lucha que inició el 16 de septiembre de 1810”
- Milenio: “Independencia de México: cronología de la lucha”
Various historical archives and official government sources
