Mexican War of Independece part 1

Since today is September 16, I’m going to talk about one of the biggest celebration in the Mexican culture: Mexican War of Independence. Today marks 205 years that Mexico gained its independence. On September 15, at midnight, Mexicans have a traditon of going to the “Zocalo” (Main Square in Mexico City) and gather around to wait for the president to give “El Grito de Dolores.” “El Grito de Dolores” was a pronunciation of the Mexican War of Independence given by Miguel Hidalgo y Costilla. Miguel Hidalgo y Costilla was a leader of the Mexican War of Independence and also a priest. As the president is walking into a balcony he is handed the Mexican Flag by a man who forms part of a convoy called “escolta” or escort. At the moment the president receives the flag he has to hold it really tight and he continues to walk with it towards the balcony until he gets to where the people can see him. Once he’s there he starts his speech by saying “Vivan los heroes que nos dieron patria y libertad” (Long live the heroes that gave us fatherland and freedom). After he says that he starts mentioning the heroes’ names and after every name he says “VIVA!” and the Mexican people respond “VIVA!” Once he is done saying the heroes’ names, he repeats three times: “Viva Mexico!” and of course as Mexicans and proud of our culture we respond with great pride and honor, “Viva!” After the people are done responding he rings the bell that Miguel Hidalgo y Costilla rang on September 15, 1810 at midnight, then waves the Mexican flag to the right and to the left several times. Lastly, “El Himno Nacional Mexicano” or the national anthem is played by an orchestra and at the same time fireworks are fired to the sky forming figures.