Mexico National Day

Mexico National Day

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  1. 1810Grito de Dolores began the independence struggle
  2. 1821Independence achieved
  3. 1910Centennial celebrations reshaped the holiday

The story behind the 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.

  1. 202616 September 2026 · Wednesday
  2. 202716 September 2027 · Thursday
  3. 202816 September 2028 · Saturday
The flag
Mexico flag

The Mexican flag has green, white and red vertical bands with the eagle, snake and cactus coat of arms. The emblem refers to the founding legend of Tenochtitlan, making the flag both national and deeply historical.

Mexican Independence Day food is fiesta food — chiles en nogada in the national colours, pozole rojo for large groups, and street tacos everywhere.

What to eat

Chiles en nogadaStuffed poblano peppers in walnut cream sauce topped with pomegranate seeds and parsley — green, white and red like the Mexican flag.
Pozole rojoRich hominy and pork soup in red chilli broth — served at large family gatherings for the September celebrations.
Tacos al pastorMarinated pork shaved from a vertical spit onto tortillas with pineapple and coriander.
TamalesMasa dough stuffed with chilli pork or chicken, steamed in corn husks — made in large batches for celebrations.
EnchiladasCorn tortillas filled with chicken or cheese, rolled and bathed in red or green chilli sauce.
Pan dulceSweet Mexican breads in dozens of shapes — bought fresh from the panadería and eaten with hot chocolate.

What to drink

TequilaMexico's national spirit from the blue agave plant — drunk neat with salt and lime or in margaritas.
MargaritaTequila, triple sec and lime juice shaken with ice — the most ordered Mexican cocktail worldwide.
Agua frescaChilled blended drinks of hibiscus, tamarind or melon with water and sugar — sold at every street stall.
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Culture on National Day

Mexico's independence celebration peaks at midnight on September 15 with the Grito de Independencia — then continues with parades, charreada rodeo and regional folk performances on the 16th.

Grito de IndependenciaAt midnight on September 15, the president rings a bell and shouts the Grito from the National Palace balcony in Mexico City's Zócalo.
Mariachi musicBands of trumpets, violins and guitarrón fill plazas across Mexico — the sound most associated with Mexican national identity.
Charreada rodeoMexican equestrian competition — riders in embroidered suits perform rope tricks, bull-riding and precision horsemanship.
Regional folk dancesFolklórico performances showcase dances from each Mexican state — Jarabe Tapatío, Danza de los Voladores and dozens of regional styles.