Mexican Independence Day

Mexican people are proud people, proud of their culture, country, and the fight for freedom. We're going to share with you 10 facts that you might not have known about their independence.

Group of friends dressed in ponchos and sombreros toasting.

#10 5 de Mayo ≠ Independence Day

Contrary to what you might think, Mexican Independence Day is not in May! It's actually September 16th. May 5th is the anniversary of the Battle of Puebla of 1862. This day is a celebration of when Mexico beat the French.

#9 The USA and France Inspired them

The Spanish Viceroy (who was ruling New Spain) was replaced with a monarch with the help of a coup; the Spanish were inspired by the French and American Revolution. But they weren't the only ones that were inspired; the Mexican people saw what they achieved and wanted a taste of freedom as well.

Painting of Miguel Hidalgo holding up the banner with the Virgin of Guadalupe, a broken chain, while stepping on a canon, an eagle eating a snake in the background.

#8 It Started with a Priest

One of the main movers for the independence was a priest, Miguel Hidalgo y Costilla. Don't let the "y" fool you; it's just one person. He was an organizer, and he was the one who rang the church bell and called out for independence on September 15th at 11 pm.

#7 Yearly Reenactment

To this day, we reenact a version of his speech; it started with "Viva Mexico" and ended with "Viva la Independencia," but no one wrote it down, and he was executed soon after. The president rings the same bell as Hidalgo did and gives a beautiful speech.

#6 Not only in Mexico

There are many Mexican communities worldwide, and they all like to celebrate Independence Day. You can see huge celebrations in places like LA, Houston, and throughout the world.

Illustration of the Battle between France and Mexico.

#5 USA and France

They both supported Mexico being independent, though France just wanted a stab at ruling Mexico themselves.

#4 Armed with Gardening Tools

The people who fought this war were humble people; they did not have ammo or even guns to shoot. Though the Mexican-born Spaniards were armed, the natives fought with hoes, shovels, and anything they could get their hands on.

Superhero shot of Mexican flag, with the sun shining through it.

#3 The Colors of the Flag

Like every flag, the colors of the Mexican flag have meaning: white is the Catholic faith; green represents the Battle for Independence; and I've heard two interpretations of the red, the union of the Three Guarantees of Iguala: religion, independence, and union of the Mexican people, but, I've also heard that it represents the blood shed for our freedom.

#2 Battle Lasted 11 Years

Many fighters were caught and executed during this time, but the need for freedom never died.

Celebration in Mexico City, with red, white, and green lights, fireworks in the sky and a massive crowd.

#1 We Celebrate for Two Days

We like to celebrate, so for a big occasion like our Independence, we're going to go hard! It all starts with the "El Grito" reenactment on September 15 at 11 pm, some rest for the night, and kick it off the next day. But some keep it going for two days straight.

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