Puerto Vallarta Mexico September 16th, “El Grito” (translation The Shout) refers to the Call for Independence and is one of the most celebrated and significant holidays in Mexico. It was the beginning of the Mexican Revolution that freed Mexico from Spanish control.
The history of this holiday reflects similar holidays in the new world very much like the United States wish for independence from the British. The cause of the Mexican Revolution was a harsh class system that divided the people into 4 different classes and had been developing for over a 100 years. The ruling class, were of course the pure Spanish who were the ruling class with all of the power, wealth and land. After many years of oppression even some of the Spaniards felt this was not a fair system.
On the afternoon of September 15th in 1810, Father Hidalgo who was a Mexican born Spaniard, Ignacio Allende & Juan Aldama heard that the Spanish military were coming to arrest them. Later after dark around 11pm Allende and group gave the call to freedom by ringing the church bell. Hidalgo spoke to the crowd that gathered at the Church and inspired the people to take up what arms they could and resist those sent to arrest him and the others. His exact words were not recorded at the time but the speech inspired the crowd to successfully resist the Spanish forces.
The revolution grew quickly in the next few days by October 30th just 6 weeks later they had over 100,000 followers.
Unfortunately when he had the chance, Hidalgo stopped the crowds at the outskirts of Mexico City and had them turn around. It proved to be his greatest tactical mistake. Although no clear reason was ever given, it is believed that Hidalgo feared what is mob might do to the capital city after defeating the Spanish.
As with many historical dates it is now a good chance for a long weekend and a chance to celebrate. Many Mexicans are heading to beaches or vacation destinations and Americans and Canadians are also beginning to appreciate this holiday.
For more information about Puerto Vallarta, Mexico or a Villa for rent contact Beston Properties offers the finest Luxury Villa Vacation Rental Accommodations in the Puerto Vallarta and Punta Mita area. Our private rental homes and Condos offer a full range of services from a full staff including chef and a concierge to organize any tours, spa services in the home or Car Rental. We have offices located in Puerto Vallarta and have all the local information from Vallarta weather and maps. All of their agents are personally familiar with each of the accommodations, amenities and staff to help you find the best rental property in Puerto Vallarta. Our concierge services will be happy to give you information on the best restaurants for dining out in Puerto Vallarta we can make reservations and give you directions. We have all the most current information to guide you for your holiday in Puerto Vallarta from our daily weather report to maps and directions.. WE can arrange activities with any tour company including Vallarta Adventures, one of the most popular companies in Banderas Bay. We represent the best quality of homes for rent by owners who care about your comfort and hope you return for many years of unforgettable Mexican holidays. For more information check out our luxury accommodations.
In the following days the revolution grew quickly, bring together various factions opposed to the Spanish rule. Hidalgo left Dolores with about 800 men On October 10 his following had grown to about 10,000 as they marched through Celaya to Monte de las Cruces on the way to Mexico City. By then end of the battle of Monte de las Cruces on October 30, 1810 it is estimated that the revolution had gathered as many as 100,000 followers. Poised on the verge of complete victory just outside Mexico City, Hidalgo turn the mob around. It proved to be his greatest tactical mistake. Although no clear reason was ever given, it is believed that Hidalgo feared what is mob might do to the capital city after defeating the Spanish.
In the afternoon hours on the 15th of September, 1810, Father Hidalgo and co-conspirators Ignacio Allende and Juan Aldama heard that a Spanish military had been dispatched to arrest them Late that night, some say around 11PM, they rang the bell of the little church in Dolores and the ten year revolution began.
Father Hidalgo had been preaching fiery sermons, critical of the oppressive class system and domination of the ruling class by the Spanish. Hidalgo himself was a Mexican born Spaniard, son of a middle class property overseer. His actions had come to the notice of both the Spanish seeded government and the Church.
Ignacio Allende |
From the steps of the church Father Hidalgo seemed an unlikely inspiration for a revolution. He spoke to the crowd that gathered and inspired the people to take up what arms they could and resist those sent to arrest him and the others. His exact words were not recorded at the time but the speech inspired the crowd to successfully resist the Spanish column. The essential message of the speech was said to be thus;
“My children: a new dispensation comes to us today. Will you receive it? Will you free yourselves? Will you recover the lands stolen by three hundred years ago from your forefathers by the hated Spaniards? We must act at once… Will you defend your religion and your rights as true patriots? Long live our Lady of Guadalupe! Death to bad government! Death to the gachupines! (Spaniards)”
In the following days the revolution grew quickly, bring together various factions opposed to the Spanish rule. Hidalgo left Dolores with about 800 men On October 10 his following had grown to about 10,000 as they marched through Celaya to Monte de las Cruces on the way to Mexico City. By then end of the battle of Monte de las Cruces on October 30, 1810 it is estimated that the revolution had gathered as many as 100,000 followers. Poised on the verge of complete victory just outside Mexico City, Hidalgo turn the mob around. It proved to be his greatest tactical mistake. Although no clear reason was ever given, it is believed that Hidalgo feared what is mob might do to the capital city after defeating the Spanish.
The Spanish military was well trained and far better equipped than the forces of the revolution. Within days they reorganized and took the offensive against the poorly trained and ill-equipped rebels.
Hidalgo was supreme commander of the rebel forces, and although a great motivator, made several military blunders to the benefit of the Spanish. The Spanish whittled away at the retreating peasants over the next couple of months until most were killed or disbanded into the hills. Hidalgo himself was captured on March 21, 1811 and executed for treason in July of that year.
Hidalgo will always be known as the Father of Mexico’s Independence because his original “El Grito” is what sparked the revolution, to help Mexicans eventually gain their independence from Spain.
It is from that time, that the 16th of September has become one of the greatest fiestas of the year, where everyone gathers in the town square (zócalo) and is celebrated with the President of Mexico ringing of the same bell Hidalgo rang, which is presently at the Government Palace in Mexico City, at 11:00PM. As the president, governor or mayor of your local fiesta reads the Cry for Independence of Hidalgo’s, it is traditional to shout the names of those involved in the revolution;On September 16th, 1910 President Pofirio Diaz reenacted the ringing of the actual bell that Hidalgo had used one hundred years before to begin the social revolution that lead to Mexico’s Independence. The actual date of the “El Grito” is said to be the 15th of September but that was already Saint Pofirio Day, which was President Pofirio’s birthday. Diaz didn’t want to upstage his own birthday with a national holiday. So he made September 16th the celebrated holiday.
“Viva Hidalgo, Viva Allende, Viva la Corregidora, Viva la Revolucion – Viva Mexico”
Mexican Independence Day
Every year on September 16, the people of Mexico celebrate the day that they gained independence as a country. Find out more about this important holiday!
Mexican Independence Day History
In the year 1500, Spain conquered Mexico and named it New Spain. Life was hard under Spanish rule and many of the native Mexicans (Mayas and Aztecs) were forced into slavery. More than 300 years later, on September 16, 1810, a priest named Father Miguel Hidalgo y Costilla started a revolt against the Spanish. The Spanish were finally defeated in 1821 and now Mexican Independence is celebrated every year to remember the beginning of the struggle for freedom.
Celebrating Mexican Independence Day
Mexican Independence Day is one of the biggest holidays in Mexico. Much like the Fourth of July, people celebrate with food, songs, fireworks, and – of course – a day off school.
Did U Know?
- The Mexican Independence Day party kicks off on the night of September 15th with special food and a public address by the Mexican President.
- Mexico’s first presidential election was held in 1823.
- Mexicans all over the world (not just in Mexico) celebrate Mexican Independence Day.
- On Mexican Independence Day, people decorate their homes and cars with Mexican flags.
Read more: Mexican Independence Day | Mexico | War | September 16th | Holiday | Food | History | Parade | Celebration | Aztec http://www.kidzworld.com/article/3817-mexican-independence-day#ixzz25pCXoLMp
For more information about Puerto Vallarta, Mexico or a Villa for rent contact Beston Properties offers the finest Luxury Villa Vacation Rental Accommodations in the Puerto Vallarta and Punta Mita area. Our private rental homes and Condos offer a full range of services from a full staff including chef and a concierge to organize any tours, spa services in the home or Car Rental. We have offices located in Puerto Vallarta and have all the local information from Vallarta weather and maps. All of their agents are personally familiar with each of the accommodations, amenities and staff to help you find the best rental property in Puerto Vallarta. Our concierge services will be happy to give you information on the best restaurants for dining out in Puerto Vallarta we can make reservations and give you directions. We have all the most current information to guide you for your holiday in Puerto Vallarta from our daily weather report to maps and directions.. WE can arrange activities with any tour company including Vallarta Adventures, one of the most popular companies in Banderas Bay. We represent the best quality of homes for rent by owners who care about your comfort and hope you return for many years of unforgettable Mexican holidays. For more information check out our luxury accommodations.
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