¡Viva México!

• Octavio Paz: "Without democracy, freedom is a chimera."
• Carlos Fuentes: "Revolutionary freedom is perverted by personal power."
• Benito Juárez: "Men are nothing, principles are everything."
• Manuel José Othón: "The greatest and most powerful nation is weak if it lacks justice."
• Amado Nervo: "There is something as necessary as daily bread and that is daily peace."
• Guadalupe Victoria: "When the people leap their barriers, almost no effort is powerful enough to stop them."
• Benito Juárez: "Democracy is the destiny of humanity; liberty its indestructible arm."

Mexican Independence Day is celebrated on September 16th. This marks a pivotal moment in the history of Mexico, symbolizing the nation’s struggle for liberation from Spanish colonial rule. The origins of this holiday date back to the early 19th century.

In the early hours of September 16, 1810, Miguel Hidalgo y Costilla, a Catholic priest, issued his famous "Grito de Dolores" (Cry of Dolores) in the small town of Dolores (now Dolores Hidalgo, Guanajuato). This event signified the beginning of a decade-long war for independence that would ultimately reshape the Mexican nation.

Hidalgo's call to arms was fueled by:

• deep-seated frustrations over social inequalities
• oppression of the indigenous population
• economic hardships imposed by Spanish rule

Accompanied by a small band of followers, he urged his fellow Mexicans to rise up against their oppressors. His plea resonated widely, igniting a revolutionary spirit that quickly spread across the country. Over the next decade, various leaders, including Ignacio Allende and José María Morelos, emerged, each contributing to the fight against colonial rule.

The struggle for independence was marked by numerous battles and significant sacrifices. Despite initial successes, the movement faced setbacks and internal divisions. However, the determination of the insurgents ultimately led to Spain’s recognition of Mexico's sovereignty on September 27, 1821, when the Spanish Army surrendered to the revolutionary forces in Mexico City.

In modern times, September 16th is a national holiday in Mexico, characterized by ceremonial events honoring the heroes of the independence movement. The night before, on September 15th, the president of Mexico reenacts Hidalgo's historic call to arms from the balcony of the National Palace in Mexico City. This moment unites the nation in pride and remembrance. Across the country, families gather to celebrate with traditional foods, music, and dance, while schools and communities hold events that reflect the rich cultural heritage of Mexico.

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Misunderstanding Cinco de Mayo:
The Common Confusion

In the U.S., there is a prevalent misconception that Cinco de Mayo, celebrated on May 5th, is synonymous with Mexican Independence Day. This confusion stems from a lack of understanding of the significance of both dates. Cinco de Mayo commemorates the Battle of Puebla, fought on May 5, 1862. Mexican forces, led by General Ignacio Zaragoza, achieved an unexpected victory against French troops.

Mexican Independence Day is a momentous occasion rooted in the struggle for freedom and the formation of national identity, celebrated on September 16th. While Cinco de Mayo is an important date in its own right, marking a significant military victory, it is not a substitute for the celebration of Mexico's independence. Recognizing and understanding these distinctions is essential for honoring the rich history and culture of Mexico.

Independence of Yucatán

In 1519, Hernán Cortés landed on the Yucatán Peninsula, marking the beginning of Spanish colonization. Following a series of conflicts, the region was formally incorporated into the Spanish Empire. The name of this region was Mayab which means flat. It is also the source of the word Maya.

According to legend, when Francisco Hernández de Córdova arrived on the coast of Yucatán, he asked the natives where he was. In their native tongue, they replied, "uh yu ka t'ann." In Mayan, this means "hear how they talk." Because Córdova thought it sounded like Yucatán, he gave this name to the region.

Yucatán proclaimed itself an independent country separate from Mexico at one point in history. In 1840, the Yucatán Peninsula established the Republic of Yucatán in response to a centralized Mexican government preventing states from electing their own leaders. The stars on the flag represent the five districts into which Yucatán was divided: Mérida, Izamal, Valladolid, Tekax and Campeche.

The flag, first flown on March 16, 1841, was hoisted on the municipal building in Plaza Grande. This action was a protest against the centralism of Mexican president Antonion Lopez de Santa Anna. Flying the flag of the Republic of the Yucatán was seen as a symbol of revolt against Mexico and was banned.

Shortly afterwards, there were talks of annexing Yucatán to the United States. However, the idea presented by President Polk was discarded. The war with Mexico was complicated and congress did not want a second war with the natives of Yucatán.

Another flag you may be more familar with was designed with the Yucatecan coat of arms. Adopted in 1989, there is a deer, sun, and henequen plant, two Mayan arches, and two Spanish bell gables.

In an act led by Governor Mauricio Vila Dosal, flying the flag became legal after an amendment to Article 116 of Mexico's constitution passed in the federal legislature. For the first time since 1841, the Yucatan flag flew in August of 2023. An emotional day to remember.

¡Viva México!​ ​

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