Father Miguel Hidalgo y Costilla’s emotional 1810 “Grito” exhorting Mexicans to take up arms against their Spanish masters will be reenacted in the main plazas of cities, towns and villages the length and breadth of Mexico, at 11 p.m. on Tuesday, September 15.
There is no exact record of the rousing speech by Padre Miguel Hidalgo that set off a nationwide revolt but the spirit is captured in modern day orations that invariably climax with a litany glorifying national heroes and howling cheers of “Viva Mexico!”
From early Tuesday afternoon, Mexicans will be out in force to celebrate their national day, waving flags, wearing giant sombreros, blowing horns, eating traditional foods and reveling in the unique, festive atmosphere. The biggest celebration in these parts is in the downtown Guadalajara area, where Jalisco Governor Aristoteles Sandoval will deliver the Grito from the balcony of the Government Palace to a packed throng amassed in the Plaza de Armas.
If you want to get the flavor but without venturing out, the Grito delivered by Mexican President Enrique Peña Nieto in the Zocalo in Mexico City is broadcast on all national channels. Wednesday September 16 is Independence Day and a national holiday, when schools, businesses, government offices, consulates and most stores will close. Guadalajara’s traditional and colorful Independence Day parade begins 10 a.m., this year on Av. Chapultepec.