It’s September 16, 2020 and Mexicans all over the word are celebrating 210 years of independence from Spain. The celebration technically began yesterday with the ringing of the bell at El Palacio Nacional by the President and his recitation of El Grito de la Independencia:
“Mexicans!Long live the heroes who gave us our homeland!Long live Hidalgo!Long live Morelos!Long live Josefa Ortiz de Domínguez!Long live Allende!Long live Aldama and Matamoros!Long live the nation’s independence!Long Live Mexico! Long Live Mexico! Long Live Mexico!”
It’s traditionally a celebration filled with dancing, music, food, fireworks. It’s colorful, happy and loud just like the people of Mexico.
The Cry that Started it all…
The Cry of Dolores is the first cry for independence given by Father Miguel Hidalgo y Costilla in the town of Dolores in the state of Hidalgo. He ordered the church bells be rung and his congregation gather and urged them to revolt. That bell was moved and is the bell the President rings every year.
This year was different…
This year however, people weren’t able to get together and celebrate. Everyone was asked to stay home and celebrate safely inside to stop the spread of COVID-19, which has taken the lives of over 70,000 people in Mexico.
I was born in Guanajuato and I’m a proud Mexican. My husband and I celebrated the best way we know how, by drinking and eating yummy food.
Salsa de Molcajete Recipe coming soon
I stayed up to watch the livestream of President Andres Manuel Lopez Obrador’s Grito. And the display of fireworks that traditionally follows.
Viva Mexico…
Like my grandad used to say “Viva Mexico Cabrones!”
Info…
If you want to learn more about this important day please see this article by National Geographic.
