Mexico National Day 2027
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About the event
Today Mexico City's Zócalo is the symbolic centre, but every town has its own version with flags, fireworks, mariachi, food stalls and red-white-green decorations. The central ritual is El Grito on the night of 15 September, when leaders repeat the call for independence from palace balconies and town halls.
At midnight on September 15, the president rings a bell and shouts the Grito from the National Palace balcony in Mexico City's Zócalo.
Why this day
Mexico celebrates Independence Day on 16 September, marking Miguel Hidalgo's Grito de Dolores in 1810. The cry launched the struggle against Spanish rule, even though independence was achieved eleven years later.
The central ritual is El Grito on the night of 15 September, when leaders repeat the call for independence from palace balconies and town halls. The next day brings parades, military ceremony and family celebration.
Today Mexico City's Zócalo is the symbolic centre, but every town has its own version with flags, fireworks, mariachi, food stalls and red-white-green decorations.
Timeline
- 1810Grito de Dolores began the independence struggle
- 1821Independence achieved
- 1910Centennial celebrations reshaped the holiday
Key figures
Stay for the event
Check-in 15 Sep, check-out 17 Sep 2026 — 2 nights around 16 September 2026. Change the dates to stay longer.
AREA
Find stays in Mexico CityGetting there
- Celebratednationwide
- CapitalMexico City
- Time zoneCST (UTC-6) to PST (UTC-8)
Host country
- Currency: Mexican peso
- Language: Spanish
- Driving: on the right
- Capital: Mexico City
- Phone: +52
- Emergency: 911
- Electricity: 127 V, 60 Hz, plugs A/B
What to eat
Stuffed poblano peppers in walnut cream sauce topped with pomegranate seeds and parsley — green, white and red like the Mexican flag.
Rich hominy and pork soup in red chilli broth — served at large family gatherings for the September celebrations.
Marinated pork shaved from a vertical spit onto tortillas with pineapple and coriander.
Masa dough stuffed with chilli pork or chicken, steamed in corn husks — made in large batches for celebrations.
Corn tortillas filled with chicken or cheese, rolled and bathed in red or green chilli sauce.
Sweet Mexican breads in dozens of shapes — bought fresh from the panadería and eaten with hot chocolate.
What to drink
Mexico's national spirit from the blue agave plant — drunk neat with salt and lime or in margaritas.
Tequila, triple sec and lime juice shaken with ice — the most ordered Mexican cocktail worldwide.
Chilled blended drinks of hibiscus, tamarind or melon with water and sugar — sold at every street stall.
Culture & traditions
At midnight on September 15, the president rings a bell and shouts the Grito from the National Palace balcony in Mexico City's Zócalo.
Bands of trumpets, violins and guitarrón fill plazas across Mexico — the sound most associated with Mexican national identity.
Mexican equestrian competition — riders in embroidered suits perform rope tricks, bull-riding and precision horsemanship.
Folklórico performances showcase dances from each Mexican state — Jarabe Tapatío, Danza de los Voladores and dozens of regional styles.
Coming years
Mexico National Day 2028
- Saturday 16 September 2028Next event date
Mexico National Day 2029
- Sunday 16 September 2029Event date
Mexico National Day 2030
- Monday 16 September 2030Event date