On September 16 each year, Mexican Independence Day, the president of Mexico stands on the balcony above the entrance to the National Palace in Mexico City facing the huge Zocalo filled with people. He recreates Father Miguel Hidalgo’s famous shout Viva Mexico! Viva la Independencia! that Hidalgo made from the church in the town of Dolores in the state of Guanajuato, on September 15, 1810.
Thus began Mexico’s war of independence from Spain which was not fully realized until 1821.
Known as El Grito de Dolores, the cry is the most important symbol of Independence Day. Each year at eleven o’clock in the morning, mayors and governors of cities and states throughout Mexico echo it as citizens gather to join the shout.
Some think that Cinco de Mayo is Mexican independence day. It is not.
Mexico’s General Iturbide rode into Mexico City in 1821 to decidedly end the War of Independence. The Puebla nuns, also known for their mole poblano, created the red, white and green Chiles en Nogada in his honor. He’s the man who designed the Mexican flag.
The other Mexican revolution started on November 20, 1910. Also known as the Mexican Civil War, the ten-year conflict succeeded in ousting the thirty-year dictatorship of Porfirio Diaz.
Travel every city, town and village in Mexico and you will see streets named for the revolutionary heroes and the dates of independence.
Viva Mexico! Viva la Independencia! Give a shout out!
Is Cinco de Mayo Mexican Independence Day? NO!
Why is Cinco de Mayo celebrated and where is it celebrated most? More than a great time for a Margarita or a swig of Corona, Cinco de Mayo was the response by Mexican-Americans — mostly Californians — to the French invasion of Mexico, The Battle of Puebla, and fear that the North would lose the Civil War, enslaving those with Mexican heritage along with Blacks throughout the southwest.
Mexican Californians gave hugs amounts of financial support to preserve the Union and defeat the Confederacy. They had a lot at stake.
I wrote about the roots of Cinco de Mayo in 2012 that offers history and a UCLA professor’s research about the topic.
I’m in southern California this weekend for a family reunion and to attend a Cinco de Mayo Fiesta Viva la Vida honoring a dear friend, Michael Stone and his wife Charlotte. I’m reminded again being in my California homeland about how strong Mexican culture here is and has been for centuries. Afterall, this was once part of New Spain!
Mexican Flag, La Bandera de Mexico, Zocalo, Mexico City
So, raise one today for the courage of Mexican-Americans who helped defeat France in the Battle of Puebla, and thereby averting French support for the Confederate Army. We owe them a lot.
Viva la Vida. Viva Mexico!
Meanwhile, I’ll be back in Oaxaca on June 28. Publishing intermittently until then! Saludos.
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Posted in Cultural Commentary, Mexico
Tagged Battle of Puebla, Cinco de Mayo, history