Mexican Independence Day
If you've noticed your Mexican friends getting excited in mid-September, there's a powerful reason why. While many often confuse it with Cinco de Mayo, September 16th is actually Mexico's most important national holiday: Día de la Independencia (Independence Day). This day is far more than a party; it's a profound celebration of freedom, resilience, and national pride. Here’s what you need to know.
The History: A Cry for Freedom
The story begins not on September 16, but during the early hours of that day in 1810.
In the small town of Dolores, a Catholic priest named Miguel Hidalgo y Costilla rang his church bell and delivered a passionate speech, a cry against Spanish rule known as "El Grito de Dolores" (The Cry of Dolores). This event wasn't a battle, but the spark that ignited the Mexican War of Independence, a long struggle that finally ended with victory in 1821.
Hidalgo’s call to arms wasn't for a king or a government, but for the people—for the right to self-determination and justice. This is why the holiday resonates so deeply; it celebrates the courage of ordinary people to demand an extraordinary change.
How It's Celebrated: A Night of Unity and Joy
The main celebration happens on the night of September 15th.
El Grito (The Cry): In town squares across Mexico and in Mexican communities worldwide, leaders (from the President to local ambassadors) recreate Hidalgo's famous cry. From a balcony, they shout patriotic phrases like "¡Viva México!" and "¡Viva la independencia!" to the roaring crowd, who echoes each cheer back. It’s a powerful, chills-inducing moment of pure national unity.
Food, Music, and Fireworks: The "Grito" is followed by a massive party. The air fills with the sounds of mariachi music, the sky lights up with fireworks, and everyone enjoys traditional Mexican foods like pozole (a hearty hominy stew), tamales, chiles en nogada, and aguas frescas.
The entire day of the 16th is then spent relaxing with family, enjoying parades, and continuing the festivities.
What It Means for the Mexican Community in Finland
For us, celebrating Independence Day far from home is a beautiful act of connection. It’s about:
Preserving Heritage: Sharing the stories, food, and traditions with our children and friends.
Building Community: Finding a piece of home together in Finland, creating a sense of belonging and support.
Sharing Our Culture: We love inviting our Finnish and international friends to join the celebration. It’s a chance to share the true spirit of Mexico—one of warmth, passion, and incredible resilience.
Join Us!
This year, we carry the spirit of "El Grito" in our hearts. We may be miles from Mexico, but our community keeps the celebration alive.
We invite you to learn more, ask questions, and if you'd like to experience a taste of this joy, we'd be honored to have you celebrate with us. Keep an eye on our events page for details on our local gathering!
¡Viva México! ¡Viva la Independencia! ¡Viva la Comunidad!
