Enjoying Mexico’s Festivals and Events
One of the most important events each year in Mexico is "El Grito de Independencia" or Mexican Independence Day. This event first occurred on the 16th of September 1810, which started Mexico's independence from the rule of Spain. On this date Miguel Hidalgo, a Mexican Roman Catholic priest, rang his church bell in the parish of Dolores and called for the people to rise up against their Spanish rulers and fight for their independence. This marked the beginning of a 10 year war against Spain and eventual defeat of their rulers.
Every year this event is reenacted all over Mexico on the evening of September 15th, with the largest event occurring in the "Zocalo" or downtown square of Mexico City. During this event the President of Mexico City rings a bell from his national palace and repeats the Grito de Dolores ("Cry of Dolores"); “Viva la Virgen de Guadalupe! Viva Fernando VII! Abajo el mal gobierno! Viva Mexico!”
The Zocalo is filled with thousands of people from all over the city and country and Mexican flags hang all over the buildings in the square as well as numerous star shaped piñatas. The whole city is actually green, white, and red to represent the Mexican flag. The streets are filled with people and not one restaurant or bar is empty. Everyone is out enjoying the numerous types of tequila or mezcal and popular Mexican cuisine such as tacos al pastor, quesadillas, pozole, and tortas.
No Mexican celebration would be complete without Mexican music and dancing. Mariachi music is the most popular type of music and it seems that every Mexican knows the words to every song. There are also other types of music including Banda, Salsa, and of course Latin Pop music. Mexicans also love to dance. Not only is this date celebrated in Mexico, but it is also celebrated by Mexicans in countries all over the world. No matter where they are this is the most important date of the year to Mexicans. It signifies when Mexico first started to become an independent country which would govern itself.
After this amazing celebration, don't expect any part of Mexico to be busy the next day. There will be no shopping or public events. Most of the city is closed and everyone is home recovering from the long night of partying. But it will be back to business the day after.
If you want to soak up the carnival atmosphere of Mexico on Independence Day then check out Cheap flights.co.uk for flights to Mexico.
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