Today, our Mexican brothers and sisters are celebrating their Independence Day. As a part of their Independence Day celebration, many Mexican nationals gather to celebrate El Grito (The Cry), but what exactly is that? Tradition says that El Grito is considered the event that officially started Mexico’s War of Independence against Spain, when the priest Miguel Hidalgo, along with other leaders, gathered in a church in the town of Dolores (Guanajato), ringing the bell to call people to stand up against the Spanish Crown.  This is known as El Grito de Dolores (The Cry of Dolores.)

In Mexico, people gather in public squares where politicians and public figures reenact El Grito on the night of Sept. 15, finishing with three cheers of “Viva Mexico!”

Did you know…? Mexico introduced chocolate, corn, and chilies to the world. Oct. 4 is National Taco Day in the United States. Many people think Cinco de Mayo is also Mexico’s Independence Day, however, that is the celebration of victory of the Battle of Puebla, where the Mexican army defeated the French army in 1862.

This is the second in a series of articles spotlighting different countries in honor of Hispanic Heritage Month. To see a complete list of entries, click here.