El Grito de Dolores/Cry of Independence

Published September 3, 2024

by Efrain Gonzales

Have you wondered why we celebrate the Cry of Independence ( El Grito de Dolores )on September 15, if Miguel Hidalgo actually called for the uprising at 5 in the morning on September 16?

History documents that on that date Hidalgo called mass and in a speech addressed to the people he encouraged them to take up arms to fight for their Independence. This event is known as Grito de Dolores.

Two years after the revolt began, on September 16, 1812, the Cry of Independence was celebrated for the first time in the town of Huichapan (currently the state of Hidalgo), by Ignacio López Rayón, who recorded it in his

Diary of military operations NOCHE MEXICANA; A of tradition, color and national pride.

This tradition is celebrated amongst family friends and loved ones at home or out in the Pueblo. It is a party full of color, music and joy and let’s not forget the food. Houses, streets and squares are decorated with flags, flowers and colored lights. Families and friends gather to celebrate with traditional Mexican music, folk dances, and fireworks. As tradition goes Laura and I celebrate with our family with a reenactment of El Grito with the participation of our nephews and nieces.

NOCHE MEXICANA is one of the most anticipated celebrations for Mexicanos, as it commemorates the Independence of Mexico, and below we list ten things that you should consider in your celebration.

1- Mexican food
The star element of your Mexican night is typical Mexican food. Mexico is characterized by its very varied gastronomy, and that is why on this special night you cannot miss the mole or the traditional pozole, as well as typical snacks such as tacos, tostadas, tamales, sopes, huaraches, etc.

2- Drinks
This special night you cannot miss the traditional aguas frescas (fresh waters) of natural fruits: lemon, pineapple, orange, tamarind, watermelon, horchata, hibiscus, etc. It is the ideal drink at a national celebration, replacing bottled soft drinks. For those who like alcohol, the characteristic alcoholic beverages of our country are tequila, mezcal and pulque.

3- Traditional sweets and desserts
To close with a flourish after a good Mexican dinner, you can’t miss the typical sweets and desserts of Mexico. Glorias, wafers, pepitorias, crystallized fruit, hams, alegrías, meringues, fritters, tamarinds, pepitorias, borachitos and palanquetas are some of the options to complement your table.

4- Flags of Mexico
The place where the party takes place must have an essential element: Mexican flags of all sizes, which represents the pride of being Mexican. Even the head of the family or the person they designate can take the largest flag and recreate the Grito de Dolores, in our case with our the young people of the family dress and do the reenactment.

5- Decorated colorful homes
As for the rest of the decoration of the host house, it is important that it look very cheerful and colorful, always highlighting the colors of our national flag: green, white and red. They can be made with confetti, colorful tablecloths, tricolor bows, hats, pinwheels, flags, piñatas, among others. For a more original touch, you can add antique items such as metates, clay cups, wooden boxes, among others.

6- The Cry of Dolores
When commemorating the 214th Anniversary of the Independence of Mexico, and on the night of September 15, remembering the Grito de Dolores, with a spectacle of music, dance and fireworks and parades leading to the main square.

7- National clothing and accessories
On Mexican night, it is tradition for attendees to wear large hats, mustaches, traditional costumes, tricolor paint on their faces, and everything that highlights your most patriotic side.

8- Board games
Traditional board games such as loteria (lottery), memorama or snakes and ladders can make your Mexican night more enjoyable; You can add excitement if you ad money to it.

9- Traditional Mexican music
And of course, to liven up the night, you can’t miss mariachi music, or iconic Mexican singers from our country, to sing at the top of your lungs and enjoy the celebration.

10- Karaoke
Without a doubt, many Mexicanos like to sing and the point is not to know but to do it to have fun.

Now you know what elements you should consider for your NOCHE MEXICANA (Mexican night). So enjoy, and

long live Mexico!
Por; Efrain Gonzalez