On September 16, people worldwide of Mexican heritage will come together to honor Mexico’s liberation from Spanish rule. This significant occasion is celebrated as a national holiday in Mexico and is marked by vibrant festivities, including dramatic reenactments of pivotal moments from the revolution, spectacular fireworks displays, and lively dance performances.
Often mistakenly associated with Cinco de Mayo by those unfamiliar with the history, Mexico’s Independence Day actually commemorates the events of 1810 when Miguel Hidalgo y Costilla, a Catholic priest famously known as Father Hidalgo, issued his historic call for independence. This pivotal moment occurred in the town of Dolores, where Hidalgo delivered a stirring speech and rallied his followers under the banner of the Virgin of Guadalupe. This revered image of the Virgin Mary, as seen by Juan Diego, an indigenous Mexican who was later canonized, became a powerful symbol of the movement.
“Independence Day marks the dawn of the struggle,” explains Elena Albarrán, an associate professor of history and global and intercultural studies at Miami University in Ohio. “It’s a celebration of the insurgency’s inception, the possibilities it opened, and the hope it inspired.”
The celebrations reflect both historical pride and cultural richness, offering a reminder of the enduring spirit and resilience that shaped Mexico’s journey to sovereignty.
A battle spanning ten years
When Miguel Hidalgo embraced the banner of the Virgin of Guadalupe, Mexico’s patron saint, he galvanized a diverse and enthusiastic following. As noted by Elena Albarrán, this movement quickly swelled into a disorganized army made up of women, children, elders, and even livestock. Lacking formal training and discipline, the force was ultimately defeated, with many members returning to their farms to resume their agricultural work.
Hidalgo’s leadership ended in tragedy when the Spanish Inquisition excommunicated him from the priesthood. William Beezley, a professor of history at the University of Arizona, explains that Hidalgo was later executed by the civil authorities. His head was put on display in Guanajuato as a grim reminder of his revolt and the chaos it caused.
The revolutionary torch was then picked up by José María Morelos, another priest who reorganized the rebel forces. Morelos sent home those without weapons or horses, resulting in a more efficient and disciplined army. Despite these improvements, Morelos too fell victim to the Inquisition and was executed, plunging the independence movement into a period of turmoil as Mexico continued its struggle against a weakening Spanish rule.
A turning point came in 1821 when Agustín de Iturbide, a former supporter of Spanish authority who had changed sides, led a successful campaign into Mexico City. He declared the country’s independence and introduced the Plan of Iguala, also known as the Plan of Three Guarantees. This plan aimed to end Spanish rule, establish Roman Catholicism as the state religion, and ensure equal rights for all citizens. Iturbide then became the emperor of Mexico, setting up a monarchy and lavishly spending the nation’s resources on attire that mirrored the opulent styles of the Austrian court.
However, Iturbide’s regime was short-lived. The new government soon faced internal power struggles among military leaders. Eventually, a democratic republic was established, with Guadalupe Victoria—a prominent figure from the independence struggle—serving as Mexico’s first president.
“Elena Albarrán notes that Iturbide is not celebrated as Mexico’s father of independence,” she says. “The title of ‘father of independence’ is consistently attributed to Father Hidalgo, the charismatic yet flawed priest who initiated the revolutionary movement.”
Misunderstanding with Cinco de Mayo
In the United States, there’s often confusion between Mexico’s Independence Day and Cinco de Mayo, according to Albarrán. “When I teach Mexican history and ask students about Mexican Independence Day, many either don’t know the date or mistakenly believe it’s Cinco de Mayo,” she explains. Albarrán highlights that while many Americans think Cinco de Mayo’s popularity in the U.S. stems from immigrant traditions, a significant factor is actually corporate marketing by beverage companies.
“Beer companies began heavily promoting their products around Cinco de Mayo within Mexican communities,” notes William Beezley, a historian at the University of Arizona. “It started as an advertising ploy, and the emphasis on the date was more about sales than accuracy. This commercialization has continued, leading to widespread promotion of the holiday in various places.”
Albarrán adds that Cinco de Mayo is not a major national holiday in Mexico, and its observance there is far more subdued compared to the celebrations in the U.S. She observed this disparity firsthand when her students engaged in a blogging assignment with peers in Mexico City. U.S. students discussed their Cinco de Mayo festivities, which prompted laughter from their Mexican counterparts.
“The Mexican students were astonished,” Albarrán recalls. “They found it hilarious how American celebrations were filled with a mix of Mexican symbols and kitsch. They couldn’t believe the extravagant and often misrepresented ways in which the holiday was celebrated in the U.S.” Read more…
