Mexico Independence

​Things You Might Not Know About Mexico's Independence Day

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​Mexico Independence Day: What you need to know.

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Mexicans participate in "El Grito de Dolores" every September 15 at 11 PM, and the following day they have celebrations with parades.​, food, and family parties. On September 16, schools, most workplaces, and federal buildings are closed.

​Independence Day is a Two-Day Celebration.

In countries outside Mexico, the holiday Cinco de Mayo is very popular and many believe that it is Mexican Independence Day. However, this is incorrect. The fifth of May actually marks the Mexican victory over France in the battle of Puebla.​

​Independence Day is September 16, NOT May 5th

​Mexico's Independence Day

Father Miguel Hidalgo rallied his people during the mass on the evening of September 15, 1810, in Dolores, Guanajuato, Mexico. His proclamation that all people should band together and fight against the Spanish government became known as the infamous "El Grito" or Cry of Independence.​

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The Leader of the Mexican War of Independence was also a Priest.

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He rings the bell of the National Palace in Mexico City then recites a cry of patriotism, ending with​ ¡Viva Mexico!, a phrase that Mexicans commonly use to express their love of their country. Additionally, other reenactments occur all over the country by mayors and officials of towns and cities.

​Each year El Grito is Reenacted by the Current Mexican President.

​Being one of the most important holidays in Mexico, anyone with Mexican roots decorates their house with the flag colors of green, white, and red. Cities with large Mexican populations such as Houston, Texas, and Los Angeles, California have their own Mexican Independence day parades and celebrations where "paisanos", or fellow countrymen, can join each other in celebration of their country.

​People All Over The World Celebrate Mexican Independence Day

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T or F? Mexicans hold a church mass on the night of September 16 for Independence Day.

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T or F? Cinco de Mayo marks the Mexican independence from France.

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T or F? Miguel Hidalgo was also a priest.

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T or F? Hidalgo rallied the people to fight in the city of Mexico City.

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T or F? Hidalgo was planning a rally at Christmas until he heard of his arrest order.

Fill in the Blanks

T or F? Hidalgo's famous speech is known as the "Grito de Dolores".

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T or F? Mexico celebrates its independence from the United States every year.

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T or F? All over the world, cities with large Mexican populations celebrate with parades.

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T or F? The colors of the Mexican flag are red, white, and blue.

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T or F? Hidalgo rang the church bell and then rallied the people to fight.

Hidalgo was defrocked (excommunicated) as a priest by the Spanish Inquisition and was later beheaded by the civil government as punishment for revolting, and his head displayed in Guanajuato, where he and his army were charged with causing a massacre.​

​​July 27, 1811

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Another priest, José María Morelos, took up the mantle of revolution, sending home anyone from the first army without a weapon or a horse. This tighter version of the army was more effective, but Morelos was also eventually taken before the Inquisition and beheaded in 1815.

​​October 1810

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Agustin de Iturbide, a Spanish-supporting soldier who flipped to become a leader in the Mexican independence movement, led troops into Mexico city. His political promise, called the Plan of Iguala or the Plan of Three Guarantees, sought to free Mexico from Spanish control and to crown him Emperor of Mexico. Ultimately, this system failed as well.

​​September 27, 1821

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​Guadalupe Victoria was declared the first president of the United Mexican States.

​​October 2, 1824

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Remembering the First Revolt

Multiple Choice

Who was Miguel Hidalgo y Costilla?

• a priest

• a farmer

• a very successful businessman

• a rapper

Multiple Choice

Who was José María Morelos?

• a conquistador

• a farmer

• another priest who took up the mantle of revolution

• the president

Multiple Choice

Who was Juan Diego?

• a street vendor

• an indigenous Mexican believer

• 5 star general

• the president of Spain

Fill in the Blanks

Who reenacts "El Grito" in Mexico City?

Match

Match the following

• The patron saint of Mexico

• a Spanish-supporting soldier who flipped to become a leader in the Mexican independence movement

• first president of the United Mexican States

Saint Guadalupe

Agustín de Iturbide

Guadalupe Victoria

• Saint Guadalupe

• Agustín de Iturbide

• Guadalupe Victoria

Independence Days in Other Spanish-speaking Countries

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