Today September 16 is very special for two reasons: Today is Mexico’s independence day & awesomely enough for me, it also happens to be my birthday!
Here is some brief history of Mexico’s Independence, the Traditional “Cry” celebrated in Mexico on the night of Sept 15th at “EL ZOCALO”. This is also repeated in Mexican communities throughout the world. Also some videos of the beautifully gorgeous, & famed fireworks that are anxiously and joyfully expected by all each year.
ISN’T IT AMAZING!! The whole square is covered with Christmas type lights so it will sparkle for the Independence celebration. Wow! They make: faces of Mexican historical figures out of them, our flag, an eagle& much more! It’s so beautiful!
What is el Zocalo? The Zócalo is the main plaza or square in the heart of the historic center of Mexico City. The plaza used to be known simply as the “Main Square” or “Arms Square,” and today its formal name is “Constitution Square” (Plaza de la Constitución).[1] This name does not come from any of the Mexican constitutionsthat have governed the country but rather from the Cádiz Constitution which was signed in Spain in 1812. However, it is almost always called the “Zócalo” today. This word literally means “base” or “plinth”. It has been a gathering place for Mexicans since Aztec times, having been the site of Mexica ceremonies, the swearing in of viceroys, royal proclamations, military parades, Independence ceremonies and modern religious events such as the festivals of Holy Week and Corpus Christi. It has received foreign heads of state and is the main venue for both national celebration and national protest.[3] –http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/El_Zocalo
“No, Cinco de Mayo is not Mexico’s Independence Day.” –
http://timpanogos.wordpress.com/2009/09/16/el-grito-de-dolores-september-16-2009-edition/
In 1808, Napoleon invaded Spain, and decided to impose his brother José Bonaparte, as king of Spain (1808-1810). The Criollosfound in this circumstance the opportunity to seek their independence form Spain.
Influenced by the concepts of liberty, equality and democracy proposed by the French philosophers Rousseau, Montesquieu, and Voltaire, they decided to start a revolt. It was 1810, and their plan was to start the war on the 2nd of October. Unfortunately, their plans were discovered in early September. The movement was in trouble. They had two alternatives; either abandon their plans, or move faster and start the revolt immediately. Fortunately for our country they decided upon the second alternative.
In the early hours of September 16, 1810, father Hidalgo, accompanied by several conspirators –Iganacio Allende, Doña Josefa Ortiz de Domínguez– rang the bell of his little church, calling everyone to fight for liberty. This was the beginning of the Independence War, which lasted 10 years.-
http://www.inside-mexico.com/featureindep.htm
General Allende
At 11:00 pm on that September, 1910, President Porfirio Díaz stood on the main balcony of the National Palace, and once again rang the same bell Hidalgo had rung in Dolores. He shouted severalvivas: “Long Live the Heros of the Nation!” “Long Live the Republic!” Below him, in the majestic zócalo that, from the days of the Aztecs had been the ceremonial heart of the Mexican Nation, a hundred thousand voices shouted in reply “¡VIVA!”
But why had the President delivered this grito on the night of the September 15th rather than at dawn on September 16th, when it all really began? A minor historical licence: September 15 was the Day of Saint Porfirio (a Greek saint of the fourth century) and the birthday of President Poririo Díaz.– http://www.mexconnect.com/articles/230-el-grito-september-15-or-16
At 11:00 p.m. the crowd becomes silent, as the president of Mexico steps out on the palace balcony, and rings the historic bell that Father Hidalgo rang to call the people. Then the president gives the Grito de Dolores. He shouts “¡Viva Mexico!” and “¡Viva la independencia!” and the crowd roars the words back at him.- http://www.mexgrocer.com/mexcocina-sep1.html
★MeGaSuPer Chido y + 