Everything You Need To Know About Mexican Independence Day!

Mexican Independence Day is September 16. On this important holiday, all government offices, banks, and schools are closed to make way for the many parades, civic ceremonies, and events across the country. 

Mexican Independence Day commemorates the momentous day when priest Miguel Hidalgo y Costilla called on Mexicans to rise up against the colonial government of Spain on September 16, 1810. Father Hidalgo gave his famous grito battle cry in the town of Dolores, and his powerful speech rallied the people behind the movement. But this was only the beginning of the struggle for freedom, as Mexico wouldn’t gain full independence from Spain until 1821.

Every year, on the eve of Independence Day, Mexico re-enacts the grito from the balcony of the National Palace in Mexico City, while ringing the same bell Hidalgo used in 1810. If you’re celebrating Mexican Independence Day in Mexico City, stay at Barceló México Reforma and make sure you bear witness to the grito.

In the United States, Cinco de Mayo has become a significant annual celebration of Mexican culture and heritage. Many people mistakenly believe Cinco de Mayo is Mexico’s Independence Day, but the holiday actually commemorates the Mexican Army’s victory over the French Empire in the Battle of Puebla. 

Therefore, visitors to Mexico may be surprised to find that there isn’t a lot of celebration taking place on May 5th outside of the city of Puebla, where the famous battle took place.

Located on the gorgeous Riviera Maya, the all-inclusive Barceló Maya Grand Resort pulls out all the stops for Mexican Independence Day. If you stay there, you’ll enjoy a colorful parade, mariachi bands, a festive fiesta, and deliciously authentic eats.

Guests also have easy access to the celebrations taking place in Playa del Carmen. The city’s famed street, quinta avenida, overflows with revelers, and the park in front of city hall is the site of the official Mexican Independence Day festival.

In Cancún, the Mexican Independence Day celebration takes place on Avenida Tulum, where thousands of locals gather at midnight on September 15 to hear the bell rung and to hear the grito re-enacted. Afterwards, there’s a fantastic firework display and much partying, dancing, mariachi music, and folk dancing to be enjoyed. 

Set up your home base for the celebrations at an idyllic all-inclusive, beachside accommodation. Barceló Occidental Costa Cancún and Occidental Tucancún are both nearby and situated between the famous Boulevard Kukulcán and the sparkling Caribbean Sea.

Mexican Independence Day activities in Cozumel are centered on the city’s municipal palace and always include a carnival and amusement rides, family-run food stands, a wide variety of folkloric dance groups, and plenty of cerveza (beer), of course. And don’t miss the lively parade along Cozumel’s waterfront on September 16, filled with traditional music and dance.

When you need a break from all the partying, see what’s happening under the waves. Barceló’s Occidental Cozumel resort is famous among scuba divers, as it offers easy access to the Palancar Reef, one of the top five scuba destinations in the world. And after a day of exploring the depths of the sea, take some time to enjoy the resort’s all-inclusive comforts, perfectly integrated in its natural surroundings of mangroves, white sand beaches, and tropical gardens.

Celebrating Mexican Independence Day in Puerto Vallarta, Mexico, means you’ll get to enjoy an explosion of culture, color, and history. Every year on September 15, the eve of Independence Day, the city comes alive with the grito ceremony. To join in on the celebration, head to the city’s main square, Plaza Principal. The grito happens right around midnight. As you wait for the ceremony to begin, take in the sights of locals dressed in traditional outfits and the smells of delicious street food.

After the grito comes the chance to “ooh” and “ahh” at the stunning, late-night fireworks show on Puerto Vallarta’s Malecón. But the party doesn’t end there. You’ll have the opportunity to dance and sing to live traditional music that starts after midnight. If you’re lucky, you may even catch mariachis playing joyful, celebratory music in the streets.

After a long day of partying and celebration, you’ll need somewhere to kick up your feet and relax. The all-inclusive Barceló Puerto Vallarta is primely located on beautiful Mismaloya Beach with stunning views over Banderas Bay and the surrounding mountains. It’s the perfect place to rest and relax after all the fiestas in this fun-loving city.

As with any holiday, Mexican Independence Day is also celebrated with an array of tasty food. One beloved dish is chiles en nogada, a stuffed poblano pepper smothered in walnut cream and sprinkled with pomegranate seeds. This dish is a Mexican Independence Day favorite because it features the colors of the country’s flag: red, white and green.

Other common recipes cooked on this special day include traditional Mexican cuisine like tamales, birria (spiced and roasted lamb), pozole (hominy and pork soup), and tacos (of course). Even if you’re not in Mexico for the big day, you can celebrate along with the country by trying out some of these signature dishes in your hometown.

Experiencing Mexican Independence Day is a once-in-a-lifetime experience, filled with all kinds of unforgettable sights, sounds and flavors. But beyond the revelry, Mexican Independence Day in Puerto Vallarta is a time for reflection and appreciation of the country's struggles and triumphs. It's an opportunity for locals and visitors to come together, celebrate their shared love for Mexico, and honor the enduring spirit of independence that defines the nation.

What are you waiting for? Start planning your Mexican getaway now.