Father Miguel Hidalgo’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 Thursday, September 15.
From Thursday 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 and wave the Mexican flag from the balcony of the government palace.
If you want to get the flavor but without venturing out, the Grito delivered by Mexican President Felipe Calderon in the Zocalo in Mexico City is broadcast on all national channels.
Friday, September 16 is Independence Day and a national holiday, when schools, businesses, government offices, consulates and most stores will close. Guadalajara’s traditional Independence Day parade begins 10 a.m. in the city center.