Mexico Celebrates the 195th Anniversary of its Independence "en grande&quot

September 12, 2005--Fireworks! Flags! Music! And more fireworks! Mexico celebrates its patriotism and cultural heritage with enormous fanfare and tradition as green, white and red flags, souvenirs and party favors abound in every Mexican city. On the night of September 15, Mexico comes alive with local festivities including rodeos, parades, bullfights and plenty of Viva Mexico's in to the wee hours.

The beginning of the independence movement...

From 1800 to 1810, Mexico's local elite, creoles, natives and landowners became increasingly frustrated with the presence and control of the Spaniards. Moreover, it was evident to the townspeople that there was an ever-present social inequity, contributing to the people's unrest. Local leaders began meeting to devise a strategy for an independence movement. Considering Mexicans' strong religious ties, the organizers felt it was vital to include a clergyman within the struggle. Miguel Hidalgo, a Roman Catholic priest from Dolores, Guanajuato, was approached and accepted the invitation.

On September 16, 1810 at 5:00 AM, Hidalgo rang the church bell to gather his congregation. He spoke against the Spaniards and called for the independence of Mexico with the famous "Grito de Dolores" (the Shout of Dolores). Inspired and determined to exile the Spaniards, the people took arms. After several victorious battles along some major cities in the state of Guanajuato in central Mexico, nearly a year later Hidalgo and his collaborators were defeated and later ordered to be decapitated. Hidalgo is still revered as the father of Mexican independence to this day. Mexico's independence was ultimately recognized by the Spanish viceroy on September 27, 1821.

MEXICAN Fiesta
On the night of September 15, the president of Mexico addresses the people from the National Palace's central balcony facing the Zocalo (main square) in Mexico City, one of the largest in the world. The president rings the historic liberty bell that Hidalgo rang to call the people and proudly waves the Mexican flag. This is followed by the "Grito" (Viva Hidalgo! Viva Mexico! Viva la Independencia!). Crowds of hundreds of thousands echo back the call. Simultaneously, governors and mayors perform the "Grito" from their local government balconies. Those not able to join their fellow compatriots at the local main squares avidly watch the national "Grito" on television and repeat the chant in their living rooms. After the last Viva México is proclaimed, the national anthem is sung.

Shortly after, fireworks explode in the air and celebrations begin. In recent years, Mexico City's Zocalo has hosted numerous bands and famous musicians on a large state set in front of the Cathedral. Confetti abounds and the dancing begins. Located right in the middle of the city's main historical district, the Zocalo is bordered on its north side by the Metropolitan Cathedral. On its west side lie several hotels, among them the Majestic Hotel and the Holiday Inn Zocalo, from which the square can be admired in its entire splendor. The area surrounding the Zocalo is dotted with palaces, mansions and churches in baroque, neoclassical and other styles.

The following day is an official holiday in Mexico and includes plenty of political fanfare and an illustrious military parade. On this day, the president visits the Angel de la Independencia (Angel of Independence) monument on Paseo Reforma in Mexico City, built to honor the 100th anniversary of Mexico's struggle for sovereignty. The president leaves flowers on the graves of the brave insurgents that lay below the enormous monument.

Mexicans show their green-white-red with elaborate decorations on their homes and place flags in their windows and cars. Families come together and have some of independence day favorites. Among these is the infamous Chiles en Nogada, the spicy sister to the bell pepper stuffed with meat, topped with a blanket of snow-white fresh walnut sauce and sprinkled with red pomegranate seeds. This extraordinary colorful dish sports all the colors of the Mexican flag, making it a favorite. Other favorites include Pozole, a chunky soup made with large hominy kernels, radishes, lettuce and meat -- usually pork. Chiles may be added to further enhance the flavor and color of the dish, creating either red, white or green versions of this wonderful stew.

SOURCE The Mexico Tourism Board