On the evening of Tuesday, September 15, downtown Guadalajara will explode into a unique outpouring of patriotic fervor, offering an unequaled festive atmosphere as the nation marks its Independence.
Concentrated in the four central plazas surrounding the city’s majestic cathedral, locals and visitors alike will be united by a single, collective heartbeat, embodying celebration, pride and the unmistakable joy of being in Mexico.
The excitement builds from early afternoon, as food vendors set up dozens of stalls brimming with tasty, traditional Mexican snacks and foods. The noise cranks up as the crowds grow, with many revelers sporting sombreros, others with faces painted in the national colors, and Mexican flags being waved in abundance.
The official festivities kick off at 8 p.m. with a lineup of free cultural performances on the stage in the Plaza Liberación, helping warm up the masses for the night ahead.
The emotional peak of the evening arrives at 11 p.m. with the traditional Grito de Independencia — the spine-tingling reenactment of Father Miguel Hidalgo’s impassioned call for citizens to rise up and fight for freedom from Spain. The ceremony will be led by Jalisco Governor Pablo Lemus from the main balcony of the Palacio de Gobierno, his voice echoing across the sea of faces below, as he bellows out “¡Viva México!” three times before ringing the palace bell in time-honored fashion.
As customary, the Grito will be followed by a spectacular fireworks display illuminating the night sky in brilliant bursts of color.
But the fun is far from over. Once the pyrotechnics fade, the party rocks to a more modern beat with a free concert by Grupo Frontera, the Texas band that has taken the regional Mexican and norteña scene by storm. Set to take the stage around 11:30 p.m., the band is expected to have the entire plaza dancing and singing along to its crossover hits, closing out the festivities around 1 a.m.
Parade
The patriotic celebrations continue the following morning. On Wednesday, September 16, at 10 a.m., the city shifts its focus to Avenida Chapultepec for the grand Independence Day parade. Marching from the Glorieta de los Niños Héroes all the way to Avenida México, the civic-military procession will feature brightly uniformed schoolchildren, proud cadets, military hardware, gleaming floats and horseback riders. Get there early for a good view.
Security
For the Grito celebration, it is also advised to arrive early, as security checkpoints will be set up, and access to the historic center will be controlled. Prohibited items include food, beverages, fireworks, sharp objects, umbrellas, chairs and large belts. The use of small bags or backpacks is encouraged, and it is recommended not to bring children under three years old.
The only thing that might try to spoil the party is the weather. It’s worth checking the forecast first and bringing a raincoat or poncho — but not an umbrella!