If you’ve ever been in Mexico around September 15 or 16, you’ve probably noticed that something feels a little different.
There are Mexican flags everywhere, streets decorated in green, white, and red, mariachi music playing, families gathering for dinner, and plenty of delicious Mexican food.
But what exactly are Mexicans celebrating?
September is known as Mexican Independence Month, with the main celebrations taking place on the night of September 15 and throughout September 16.
And while today’s celebrations are full of music, food, fireworks, and ¡Viva México!, the story behind them began more than 200 years ago.
So, what happened on September 16, 1810?
At the beginning of the 19th century, Mexico was part of the Viceroyalty of New Spain, under Spanish rule.
There was growing unrest among different groups in New Spain, including people who wanted greater political representation and an end to the colonial system.
A group of conspirators in Querétaro began planning an uprising. Among them were important figures such as Miguel Hidalgo y Costilla, Ignacio Allende, Juan Aldama, and Josefa Ortiz de Domínguez.
Their plans were discovered before the uprising was supposed to begin.
According to historical records, Josefa Ortiz de Domínguez managed to warn the conspirators that they had been discovered. The date of the uprising was moved forward, and Miguel Hidalgo decided to act.
In the early hours of September 16, 1810, in the town of Dolores, Guanajuato, Hidalgo called the local population to join the uprising.
This moment became known as the Grito de Dolores, or the “Cry of Dolores,” and it marked the beginning of the Mexican War of Independence.
Did Miguel Hidalgo really ring the church bell?
Yes — but there is a little more to the story.
The traditional account says that Hidalgo rang the bell of the parish in Dolores to call people together before delivering his famous appeal.
The bell became such an important symbol of Mexican independence that, years later, a version of the original Bell of Dolores was moved to the National Palace in Mexico City.
Today, the president of Mexico rings the bell during the annual Independence ceremony on the night of September 15.
And this is where one of Mexico’s most famous traditions comes in…
Why do Mexicans celebrate on September 15 if Independence Day is September 16?
This is one of the most common questions visitors have!
The historical uprising began in the early hours of September 16, 1810.
However, the traditional Grito de Independencia ceremony takes place on the night of September 15, usually around 11:00 p.m.
During the ceremony, the president, governors, and mayors across Mexico recreate the call for independence by ringing a bell and shouting patriotic phrases, ending with:
“¡Viva México!”
Crowds respond with cheers, fireworks often light up the sky, and the celebration officially gets underway.
The tradition has evolved over time, becoming one of Mexico’s biggest annual celebrations.
But Mexico didn’t become independent in 1810
Here’s another important detail.
September 16, 1810, was the beginning of the independence movement.
The war continued for 11 years, involving different leaders, armies, alliances, battles, and political changes.
Miguel Hidalgo was captured and executed in 1811, but the movement continued. José María Morelos became one of its most important leaders, while figures such as Vicente Guerrero continued the fight during later stages of the conflict.
Eventually, former opponents Agustín de Iturbide and Vicente Guerrero formed an alliance.
The Plan of Iguala, proclaimed in 1821, helped establish the political framework that would lead to independence.
On September 27, 1821, the Army of the Three Guarantees entered Mexico City, marking the consummation of Mexican Independence. The Act of Independence was signed the following day.
So, in simple terms:
1810 → The independence movement begins.
1821 → Mexico achieves independence.
Who were the people behind the movement?
We often hear the same names during September, but Mexican Independence involved thousands of people from very different backgrounds.
Miguel Hidalgo is remembered as one of the main figures who started the movement.
José María Morelos later became one of its most important leaders.
Ignacio Allende and Juan Aldama were military figures involved from the beginning.
And Josefa Ortiz de Domínguez, often called La Corregidora, played an important role in warning the conspirators that their plans had been discovered.
The movement also involved Indigenous people, mestizos, Afro-descendants, farmers, miners, artisans, ranchers, and many others.
It was not simply the story of a few famous heroes. It was a long and complicated social and political movement involving people from many parts of New Spain.
What does Mexico look like during Independence celebrations?
Today, Independence Day is as much a cultural celebration as a historical one.
You’ll see Mexican flags hanging from balconies, houses, businesses, cars, plazas, and streets.
Cities and towns decorate public spaces with lights and patriotic colors, and many communities organize concerts, dances, parades, fireworks, and public celebrations.
And then, of course, there is the food.
Independence celebrations are a great excuse to enjoy some of Mexico’s favorite dishes, from pozole and tamales to tacos, chiles en nogada, tostadas, and all kinds of antojitos.
You’ll also hear plenty of mariachi and traditional Mexican music.
For many families, September 15 is a night to get together, eat, listen to music, watch the Grito, and celebrate being Mexican.
A fun fact: September 15 wasn’t always celebrated the way it is today
The way Mexicans celebrate Independence has changed significantly over the years.
The first commemorations were very different from today’s huge public celebrations. Over time, the holiday became an important part of Mexico’s national identity.
The modern tradition of the Grito has evolved through different governments and historical periods, eventually becoming the large public ceremony we know today.
So when you see a Mexican plaza filled with flags, music, families, food, and people shouting ¡Viva México!, you’re seeing a tradition that has evolved for more than two centuries.
Celebrating Independence in Puerto Morelos
If you’re spending September in Puerto Morelos, this is a particularly fun time to experience the town.
The main square becomes a gathering place for locals and visitors, and you’ll often find music, food, decorations, dancing, and plenty of Mexican pride.
It’s a chance to experience a side of Mexico that goes beyond the beaches and turquoise Caribbean water.
Because living in or visiting Mexico isn’t only about beautiful places.
It’s also about understanding the stories, traditions, celebrations, and people that make each community unique.
So if you’re in Puerto Morelos this September, join in, try some traditional food, listen to the music, and when everyone starts shouting…
¡Viva México!
You can shout along.
After all, you’re experiencing one of Mexico’s most important cultural celebrations firsthand.
A few dates to remember
September 15, 1810 — The conspiracy in Querétaro is discovered, and the planned uprising is brought forward.
September 16, 1810 — Miguel Hidalgo calls the people of Dolores to rise up, beginning the independence movement.
1821 — Independence is achieved after 11 years of conflict.
September 27, 1821 — The Trigarante Army enters Mexico City, marking the consummation of Independence.
September 28, 1821 — The Act of Independence of the Mexican Empire is signed.
Thinking About Puerto Morelos?
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It can make all the difference.
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