2/9/2018 How to Celebrate Mexican Independence Day

GUIDE
MEXICO

Ways to Celebrate Mexican Independence Day

BY SUZANNE BARBEZAT Updated 09/01/18

Independence Day fireworks over Mexico City. Daniel Boag / Ge y Images

Mexican Independence Day is celebrated on the night of September 15th and all day on
the 16th with festive decorations, delicious traditional foods, lively parades, and
boisterous patriotic displays. Whether you're celebrating in Mexico or elsewhere, this is
the perfect time to celebrate Mexican culture and national identity. Here are some ways
you can get into the Mexican patriotic spirit and celebrate Mexico.

01 Listen to Mariachi Music.

of 09

https://www.tripsavvy.com/ways-to-celebrate-mexican-independence-day-1588894 1/14
2/9/2018 How to Celebrate Mexican Independence Day

Ge y Images / Cris an Lazzari

Any dull occasion will suddenly liven up with the addition of mariachis. Mariachi music
originated in the state of Jalisco but is now considered the quintessential Mexican music.
Made up of a group of five or more musicians wearing charro suits, a mariachi band
lends a festive atmosphere to any event. A live mariachi group is best, but in a pinch
recorded music will do just fine. Learn some of the lyrics ahead of time so you can sing
along.

02 Learn About the Mexican Flag.

of 09

https://www.tripsavvy.com/ways-to-celebrate-mexican-independence-day-1588894 2/14
2/9/2018 How to Celebrate Mexican Independence Day

Esparta Palma/Crea ve Commons

The first flag of Mexico was established in 1821, the year Mexico gained independence.
The "tricolor" contained the national colors of red, white, and green in diagonal stripes.
The colors have remained the same, but their placement and the crest in the center of the
flag has changed over time. Each of the three colors has a specific meaning; it is said that
the color green represents hope, white is for unity, and red is for the blood of the national
heroes. The crest in the center panel is Mexico's coat of arms and portrays an eagle with a
snake in its beak standing on a cactus, which comes from the legend of how Tenochtitlan
(the Aztec capital where Mexico City is now) was founded.

03 Drink a Mexican flag.

of 09

https://www.tripsavvy.com/ways-to-celebrate-mexican-independence-day-1588894 3/14
2/9/2018 How to Celebrate Mexican Independence Day

Suzanne Barbezat

What, drink the flag!? Why yes, Mexicans love things in their national colors (and if it has
alcohol in it, then it's all the more festive). There are two ways to do this. You can do a
Mexican flag shooter as pictured here with all the colors layered in one shot glass, or if
you prefer to keep your colors separate, order a Bandera Mexicana with a shot of lime
juice, a shot of tequila and a shot of sangria, as described here: The Mexican Tequila
Bandera.

04 Eat a Chile en Nogada.

of 09

https://www.tripsavvy.com/ways-to-celebrate-mexican-independence-day-1588894 4/14
2/9/2018 How to Celebrate Mexican Independence Day

Diana Cris na Vazquez Arteaga / EyeEm / Ge y Images

According to legend, this Mexican dish was first prepared by nuns in the city of Puebla
just after Mexico's independence was declared. The nuns served the dish to Agustin de
Iturbide on his Saints' day (August 28) shortly after the signing of the Treaty of Cordoba
which granted Mexico its independence. Its ingredients have the colors of the Mexican
flag, making it an ideal Independence Day food.

05 Decorate During the Month of September.

of 09

https://www.tripsavvy.com/ways-to-celebrate-mexican-independence-day-1588894 5/14
2/9/2018 How to Celebrate Mexican Independence Day

Suzanne Barbezat

Starting at the end of August and all through the month of September, there are vendors
selling flags, sombreros, pinwheels and an assortment of other items in the national
colors of red, white and green on street corners throughout Mexico. People place flags
and banners on their cars, in their windows and anywhere else you can imagine. To
celebrate Mexican independence feel free to do the same! Mexican flags, red, white and
green streamers, papel picado and other Mexican decorations are all good choices.

06 Learn the Mexican Na onal Anthem.

of 09

https://www.tripsavvy.com/ways-to-celebrate-mexican-independence-day-1588894 6/14
2/9/2018 How to Celebrate Mexican Independence Day

FG Trade / Ge y Images

There's no better way to bring out your inner Mexican than by belting out an enthusiastic
rendition of Mexico's national anthem. The lyrics of this song were composed by
poet Francisco González Bocanegra in 1853; the music by Jaime Nunó was added later, in
1854. The lyrics speak of Mexican victories in battle and defending the homeland. Come
on, everybody, sing along now: "Mexicanos al grito de guerra...."

07 Throw a Mexican fiesta.

of 09

https://www.tripsavvy.com/ways-to-celebrate-mexican-independence-day-1588894 7/14
2/9/2018 How to Celebrate Mexican Independence Day

Ge y / Sollina Images

Why leave it to someone else? Throw your own fiesta. You can make sure all the elements
are in place if you plan it yourself. Don't forget the decorations, food, drinks, piñatas, and
entertainment - how about some mariachi music! And best of all, you have control over
the guest list.

08 Shout "¡Viva Mexico!"

of 09

https://www.tripsavvy.com/ways-to-celebrate-mexican-independence-day-1588894 8/14
2/9/2018 How to Celebrate Mexican Independence Day

Hero Images / Ge y Images

Mexico's War of Independence was initiated by Father Miguel Hidalgo who called out to
the people to rise up against Spain in 1810. This event is known as el grito de Dolores. On
September 15 at 11 pm el grito is re-enacted in town squares throughout Mexico. If you're
in Mexico you shouldn't miss this opportunity to be in the center of the action. If you're
not in Mexico, no matter where you are or what you're doing, stop at 11 pm on September
15 and shout "¡Viva Mexico!" at the top of your lungs.

Continue to 9 of 9 below.

09 Go Out on the Town.

of 09

https://www.tripsavvy.com/ways-to-celebrate-mexican-independence-day-1588894 9/14
2/9/2018 How to Celebrate Mexican Independence Day

Maria Swärd / Ge y Images

Many restaurants, hotels and nightclubs in Mexico put on Noche Mexicana celebrations.
These may entail the above items (Mexican food, drink and entertainment), and can vary
from fancy hotel dinners and concerts to raucous dance club parties. Or you can just head
to the nearest town plaza to join the crowds for el grito at 11 pm and continue partying
into the wee hours of the morning. Mexican communities around the world will also be
celebrating!

MORE TO EXPLORE ESSENTIALS

Throw a Mexican fiesta to

Where to Celebrate "El Grito" for celebrate Cinco de Mayo
Mexican Independence Day

https://www.tripsavvy.com/ways-to-celebrate-mexican-independence-day-1588894 10/14
2/9/2018 How to Celebrate Mexican Independence Day

MORE TO EXPLORE
ESSENTIALS

Hot Springs, Colorful Fes vals and

Everything You Need to Know
More in the State of
About Mexican Independence Day
Aguascalientes

MORE TO EXPLORE

MORE TO EXPLORE
Mexicans commemorate the event
that forged their na on on Tequila, mariachis, Guadalajara and
November 20 Puerto Vallarta: Jalisco state

MORE TO EXPLORE MORE TO EXPLORE

Best September Fes vals and Discover Natural Wonders and

Events in Mexico Tourist Havens in Baja California

Sur

https://www.tripsavvy.com/ways-to-celebrate-mexican-independence-day-1588894 11/14
2/9/2018 How to Celebrate Mexican Independence Day

MORE TO EXPLORE

Sweat it all out in a temazcal, a

tradi onal Mexican sweat lodge

ESSENTIALS

THINGS TO DO Your Guide to the History &

Meaning of the Mexican Flag
Discover Mexico City's Historical
Center on Foot

ESSENTIALS
MORE TO EXPLORE

Check Out Mexico's Not-So-Secret Celebrate Mexico with these

Rio Secreto fes ve Mexican dishes

ESSENTIALS
THINGS TO DO
History and origins of Chiles en
How Do You Celebrate Mexican Nogada, a tradi onal Mexican dish
Independence Day?

https://www.tripsavvy.com/ways-to-celebrate-mexican-independence-day-1588894 12/14
2/9/2018 How to Celebrate Mexican Independence Day

ESSENTIALS

Top 7 Day of the Dead

Des na ons

GET OUR TRAVEL TIPS TO YOUR INBOX

Enter your email SIGN UP

FOLLOW US

Des na ons

Trip Planning

Inspira on

ABOUT US PRIVACY POLICY

CONTACT
ADVERTISE COOKIE POLICY

TERMS OF USE

CAREERS

TripSavvy is part of the Dotdash publishing family.

THE SPRUCE | VERYWELL FAMILY | LIFEWIRE | THE BALANCE and more

https://www.tripsavvy.com/ways-to-celebrate-mexican-independence-day-1588894 13/14
2/9/2018 How to Celebrate Mexican Independence Day

https://www.tripsavvy.com/ways-to-celebrate-mexican-independence-day-1588894 14/14