Written by Suleth Villeda on September 14th, 2020
Many have heard about the day thousands of people all throughout Mexico congregate to what literally translates to “the scream”. However, this day is not just a regular national synchronized scream, September 16th is the day that the Mexican Independence is celebrated. On this day in Dolores Hidalgo, Guanajuato 1810, el padre Miguel Hidalgo y Costilla rang the bells of a small parish and inspired the people who gathered to rebel against the Spanish monarchy and take control of their own lives, their own country, their own destiny. His grito galvanized thousands of people, mostly poor natives, to take action and change Mexico forever. Today, Mexico continues the tradition of “el grito” the night before the celebration of independence. Around midnight on September the 15th, the Mexican president delivers a patriotic speech commemorating the fallen heroes of independence as he rings the bells at the National Palace in Mexico City. He finishes his speech by exclaiming three times, “!Viva Mexico!”.