Mexican Independence Day Draws Near

On 15th September 2006 Mexico celebrates it’s 196th Independence Day. Here in Cancun it is always a big party with tens of thousands packing the Palacio Municipal area on Ave. Tulum for live events and the famous Grito. Incidentally, Cinco de Mayo although celebrated in the US, hardly merits a mention here.

For several weeks now the flag and banner sellers have had their brightly coloured stands on many street corners and certainly add a touch of colour to the place.

In 1810 a group of Mexican nationals hatched a plan to overthrow the brutal regime of the Spanish that had occupied their country for the last 300 years. The plan was that the Mexicans would rise up against the Spanish in a War of Independence that would begin on 2 October.

However, their plans were uncovered by the Spanish early in September and a decision had to be made quickly, either abandon their plans or start the revolt early. Father Hidalgo rang the bell in his small church on the night of 15 September to call the faithful to church, there they listened to his speech which is now known as ‘El Grito de Delores’, saying “Viva Mexico” and “Viva la Independencia!” These famous words have been remembered and are said each year at the Independence Day celebrations.

Armed with inferior weapons such as clubs, knives, stone slings, and ancient guns, they fought as they marched to Mexico City. Before the year was over Father Hidalgo was captured and executed but some 10 years later the people of Mexico finally won their Independence. Viva Mexico!

In Cancun, as in every town and city in Mexico the celebration takes place at the main Government office on Ave. Tulum, downtown, where thousands of locals wait to her the bell rung and to hear ‘El Grito’ reenacted by the senior government official. Thereafter their follows much partying, dancing, mariachi music, folk dancing and, of course, drinking.
If you’re not downtown don’t worry The El Grito from Mexico City is normally relayed to all the video screens at the nightclubs in the Hotel Zone and even if you are having a quiet night in at your hotel bar you will not be able to miss this one.