It’s all about festivities in Mexico; we celebrate everything big time, but without a doubt, the most important celebration of all is Independence Day. 

Beyond a festival, it is a commemoration: we honour our customs and traditions and, above all, we celebrate our freedom.

If you want to know more about this historic date, read on and you will discover why many Mexicans consider it the best holiday of all.

The cry for independence

More than 200 years ago, Mexico was in the throes of economic depression and political instability. The dawn of 16 September 1810 arrived and the priest, Don Miguel Hidalgo y Costilla, summoned the people of Dolores Hidalgo ringing the bells of his church in order to encourage them to take up arms against the Viceroyalty. 

This speech is known as the cry of pains and it initiated Mexican independence. And 11 years later, on 27 September 1821, the victory was complete.

How is this day celebrated in Mexico?

Although the independence movement began on 16 September, the real fiesta begins on the 15th.

On this day, families come together to celebrate the country’s biggest holiday: 

• The most iconic dishes are prepared, such as chiles en nogada or the traditional pozole.
• Some wear traditional costumes to honour their nation.
• Mariachi music can be heard in the background.
• And to toast: tequila and mezcal

But it doesn’t end there. When the party is at its peak, at the stroke of midday in Mexico City’s Zócalo, the president steps out onto the balcony of the national palace and unites the whole country to the sound of ¡Viva México! 

The cry is repeated every year, just as it was in 1810 in the town of Dolores, and although the celebration is on the 15th, it is a preparation to welcome together another year of celebrating freedom. 

Subsequently, on Independence Day, officially 16 September, a parade is held in different cities across the country to commemorate the heroes who gave us our homeland back.

Celebration at Princess Hotels Riviera Maya

At Princess Hotels Riviera Maya we always want to offer as much fun as possible to our guests and we have prepared a huge party for all of you:  

• Themed buffet 

Food is a must for the celebration of the 15th of September and our chefs prepare a banquet worthy of Mexican gastronomy. Cochinita pibil, chiles en nogada, pozole, tacos, tostadas, guacamole, beans and many more!   

• Charro floreador 

Our guests will be able to enjoy the presence of our charro on horseback and his musical exhibition.  

• Decoration 

As they say in Mexico, for celebrations nos pintamos solos (there is always a reason to celebrate), that’s why our main square is dressed in green, white and red, perfect for your Instagram pictures. Patriotic symbols, flags, characterised staff and the name of Mexico will be your perfect background.  

• Pre-Hispanic show 

And what better way to start than with the history of our roots? Our pre-Hispanic show will fill you with energy with its music, history, colours and dances performed by an authentic Mayan dance team.

*This show is only held at the Grand Riviera and Grand Sunset Princess resort.

• Regional dance 

As every year, our folkloric dance show is a special performance, passing through different states of the Mexican Republic, through its music and dances. An unforgettable show full of history and traditions. 

• Escaramuzas

What can be better than a person riding a horse? Several riders! You can’t miss the parade of several horses through our main square displaying different flags.

• Mariachi 

What would a Mexican fiesta be without a mariachi? The mariachi has become so ingrained in Mexican culture that it feels like its own. The classic black charro costume and sombrero is a symbol of identity for Mexicans, and its music could not be missing from the country’s biggest celebration. Let yourself go and sing cielito lindo in authentic Mexican style. 

 *This show is only held at the Grand Riviera and Grand Sunset Princess resort.

• Live broadcast of the cry

And as every year, we will broadcast the cry from the national palace live, where the President of Mexico will raise the flag and cry ¡Viva! For all the heroes of independence. Without them, Mexico would not be the beautiful country it is today. 

*This show is only held at the Grand Riviera and Grand Sunset Princess resort.

Independence Day is the celebration that unites all of Mexico, but it is so big, it unites us with the world. 

So, have you already celebrated Mexican Independence Day? Are you looking forward to this date? Tell us about your experience or if you would like to visit Mexico during these special dates.

Categories: Caribbean, Discover culture, Lifestyle, Riviera Maya