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Photograph of Padre Hidalgo, "The Father of Mexican Independence", courtesy
of Instituto Nacional de Solidaridad, Microbiografias, Personajes en la
historia de Mexico.
Other photographs by Jim Tolbert
Mexico celebrates its Independence Day on September 16th. This day is a
legal holiday, as well it should be, since the festivities actually begin at 11pm the night of the
15th. Mexican fiestas usually require a day for recovery too. The activities are
centered in the zocalo, or town square, in cities throughout the country. In Mexico City the
President of the country presides over the ceremonies in the famed Plaza de Constitucion. This
celebration is rivaled only in the city of Dolores Hidalgo, the birthplace of the revolution. The speeches and cries for Independence are followed by fireworks and
festivities that continue into the next day.
Born in 1753, Miguel de Hidalgo y Castillo was the son of a Creole Hacienda manager. He received a formal education, was ordained as a
priest, and later became the rector of his college. Due to his criticism of Spanish rule and his active role in educating the indigenous people
of his area, he was brought before the Inquisition and exiled to the small village of Dolores in the state of Guanajuato. There he continued voicing his opposition to the subjugation of the Indians, questioning the authority of the Pope, and flaunting his
revolutionary ideas. He encouraged the locals to plant grapes, taught them how to cultivate silk, and helped refine their handicrafts. He was a member of a social club, the Academia Literatura, which
regularly met to discuss plans for the overthrow of colonial rule. This group drew up a Declaration of Independence which they planned to release in December of 1810.
Word was leaked of the planned insurrection and warrants were issued for the group's leaders, including Father Hidalgo. Hidalgo realized that if
they were tracked down and arrested that the movement would not stand a chance of survival.
On the evening of September 15, outside his church in Dolores, the 57-year-old priest issued the cry for Independence.
The "El Grito", or shout, called for immediate action and is echoed in every town square throughout the country on the eve of the anniversary of the revolution.
News of the uprising spread quickly to the surrounding villages and soon cries of "Viva Mexico" resounded across the countryside.
Under the banner of the Virgin of Guadalupe, Hidalgo and his fellow revolutionaries amassed a large army and marched to war against the
crown. Numerous battles were won, but outside Mexico City Hidalgo hesitated and the momentum was lost.
Shortly afterwards, on July 30, 1811, Hidalgo and other leaders were captured, imprisoned in the city of Chihuahua, and put to death by a
firing squad. They were then beheaded and their heads put on public display for more than a decade.
The War for Independence continued for another 10 years. Father Hidalgo is revered as a national hero in all of Mexico and in 1824 the village
where the revolution began was renamed Dolores Hidalgo in his honor. The Mexican people are very proud of their heritage and always eager to
celebrate a holiday with tasty food and lively music. Carnivals are set up, and food vendors line the squares.
Horse races, bull fights and cock fights are held ,and tequila and cerveza flow. If you are in Mexico in
September, plan to participate in the celebration and remember "Viva Mexico".
OTHER SEPTEMBER FESTIVALS IN MEXICO
September 5-15, 2002
The 9th annual Mariachi Festival will be held in Guadalajara, Mexico's second largest city, with 56 Mariachi bands from USA, Germany, Malaysia,
Japan, Canada. Switzerland, Croatia, and Latin America competing. The 4th National Charro festival will be held at the same time. Charros
are similar to American rodeos, and charro dress is the traditional costume of Mariachi musicians.
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Born in 1753, Miguel de Hidalgo y Castillo was the son of a Creole Hacienda manager. He received a formal education, was ordained as a
priest, and later became the rector of his college. Due to his criticism of Spanish rule and his active role in educating the indigenous people
of his area, he was brought before the Inquisition and exiled to the small village of Dolores in the state of Guanajuato. There he continued voicing his opposition to the subjugation of the Indians, questioning the authority of the Pope, and flaunting his
revolutionary ideas. He encouraged the locals to plant grapes, taught them how to cultivate silk, and helped refine their handicrafts. He was a member of a social club, the Academia Literatura, which
regularly met to discuss plans for the overthrow of colonial rule. This group drew up a Declaration of Independence which they planned to release in December of 1810.
Word was leaked of the planned insurrection and warrants were issued for the group's leaders, including Father Hidalgo. Hidalgo realized that if
they were tracked down and arrested that the movement would not stand a chance of survival.
On the evening of September 15, outside his church in Dolores, the 57-year-old priest issued the cry for Independence.
The "El Grito", or shout, called for immediate action and is echoed in every town square throughout the country on the eve of the anniversary of the revolution.
News of the uprising spread quickly to the surrounding villages and soon cries of "Viva Mexico" resounded across the countryside.
Under the banner of the Virgin of Guadalupe, Hidalgo and his fellow revolutionaries amassed a large army and marched to war against the
crown. Numerous battles were won, but outside Mexico City Hidalgo hesitated and the momentum was lost.
The War for Independence continued for another 10 years. Father Hidalgo is revered as a national hero in all of Mexico and in 1824 the village
where the revolution began was renamed Dolores Hidalgo in his honor. The Mexican people are very proud of their heritage and always eager to