When is Mexican Independence Day? What to know about the two-day festivities

Leer en español

Come September, Mexicans in their homeland and abroad look forward to hearing the infamous battle cry, known as "El Grito de Independencia," that birthed the independence movement in Mexico over 200 years ago.

It is a ceremonious call made at nightfall every Sept. 15 outside the national palace in Mexico City and in Mexican consulates and embassies across the globe.

In Arizona, where over 2 million of the Latino population identifies as Mexican or of Mexican descent — that's more than 25% of the state's inhabitants — this celebration is becoming more common each year. This year, a handful of events mirroring the two-centuries-old cry took place across the Valley, including a major event at the Arizona state Capitol led by Jorge Mendoza Yescas, Mexico's general consul in Phoenix.

For Mexicans, the entire month of September — that's right, not May — is a patriotic one, but there are two notable dates: Sept. 15 and 16.

When exactly is Mexico's independence celebrated? Here's what to know.

When is Mexican Independence Day?

In Mexico, Sept. 15 and 16 are dates that go hand in hand when commemorating the fight for independence.

On the night of Sept. 15, the traditional "Grito de Independencia," which translates to Independence Battle Cry, takes place in a ceremony officiated by leaders nationwide. This cry honors the "Grito de Dolores", the Cry of Dolores, that the catholic priest Miguel Hidalgo gave in the early morning of Sep. 16, 1810, when he called on all Mexicans to take up arms against the Spanish army and gain their independence.

Sept. 16, however, is officially considered Mexico's Independence Day.

What is the origin of the Mexican 'grito'?

The ringing of the bells of the church of the town of Dolores Hidalgo and the infamous "Grito de Independencia" marked the beginning of the independence movement against the Viceroyalty of Spain.

Miguel Hidalgo gathered the people of Dolores Hidalgo by ringing the bells of the central church in the early morning of Sept. 16, 1810. The mass turned into a speech by the parish priest in which he proclaimed the independence of his people, calling for a fight and giving "El Grito de Independencia" — "Long live America! And death to the bad government!" — while holding the banner of the Virgin of Guadalupe, known as the Patron Saint of Mexico and considered a mother to all Mexicans.

Have story tips on Latino communities in the Valley? Reach La Voz reporter Paula Soria at psoriaaguilar@gannett.com .

This article originally appeared on Arizona Republic: When is Mexican Independence Day? What to know about the two-day festivities