Saturday, September 16th is Mexican Independence Day!
This day is celebrated with festive fireworks, fiestas or parties, and lots of good food and music. The colors for the day are of the Mexican flag — red, white, and green — which are seen everywhere in public areas along with flowers and other decorations. Mexicans jubilantly blow whistles and horns and throw confetti, and crowds chant “Viva la independencia nacional!” and “Viva Mexico!” in the streets.
Traditional mariachi music spices up the events with lively dancing. Of course, food is one of the most important aspects of Independence Day celebrations — restaurants and street vendors sell traditional Mexican food. Others prepare feasts at home to serve at parties.
History of Mexican Independence Day
Mexico, once known as New Spain, was a colony harshly ruled by the kingdom of Spain for over 300 years. The native population was oppressed, farmland and personal wealth were confiscated and only Spaniards were allowed to hold political posts. The oppression became too much and a Catholic priest in the town of Dolores named Miguel Hidalgo y Costilla had enough.
On September 16, 1810, he rang his church’s bell and delivered a speech now known as the Grito de Dolores (Cry of Dolores), demanding the end of Spanish rule. This started the brutal Mexican War of Independence, which lasted over a decade. On August 24, 1821, Spain withdrew and officially recognized Mexico as an independent country. Today, Father Hidalgo is known as the Father of Mexican Independence. Mexican Independence Day has been celebrated every year since that momentous day on September 16, 1810.
This year we invite you to celebrate with us on Saturday, September 16th from 1 pm to 8 pm. Event location: 298 Pine Ave, Goleta, CA 93117.
This event is sponsored by the Greater Santa Barbara Hispanic Chamber of Commerce, which we are proud members!
