1. Mexican Independence Day September 16 (No, it’s not cinco de mayo!)

2. Historical Background Spain conquered what is now Mexico in 1521 by defeating the Aztec Empire Spanish rule had a rigid class system: Spaniards-born in Spain Criollos-born in Mexico; parents are Spaniards Mestizos-mixed blood; children of Spaniards and Indios Indios-Native Indians Negros-African Slaves

3. Historical Background (cont) France, under Napoleon’s rule, invaded Spain in 1808 Criollos and others in ‘Mexico’ saw this as an opportunity to gain independence Plan was created to declare war Oct. 2, 1810, but was discovered Plan was implemented early, on Sept. 16, 1810 by Father Hidalgo and his co- conspirators

4. Father Miguel Hidalgo y Costilla Father Hidalgo rang the bell of his church around midnight on Sept. 16, 1810 This called the locals (Indios) to the church Father Hidalgo encouraged the people to fight for their freedom with the words: "Mexicanos, Viva Mexico!” Now know as “The Grito” or, “The Cry” The people took up arms, and rushed towards Mexico City, picking up support along the way The following war lasted a decade

5. Sept 16: A Day of Remembrance Festivities begin late at night on Sept. 15 By 11:00, townspeople congregate in the town square to reenact ‘el grito’. The local government leader plays the part of Father Hidalgo (In Mexico City-the president) The townspeople respond by shouting “Viva Mexico!” Then, fireworks are shot of in culmination of the celebration.

6. Mexican Independence Day Looks Like: Houses, Streets and Buildings are decorated with papel picado and flags Fireworks light up the sky at night Parades file down the streets/through the plazas People dress up in traditional clothing (men as charros, women as china poblanas or in colors of the flag Vendors and people fill the street Vendors sell ‘souvenirs’ such as sombreros and other items that are the National Colors; food is also sold.

8. Mexican Independence Day Sounds Like: Live Mariachi Bands play People shouting “Viva Mexico”, especially during and after “el grito” Trumpets, whistles, noisemakers, cheering for Mexico Fireworks exploding in the night sky

10. Mexican Independence day Smells/Tastes Like: Traditional foods include: Guacamole & Chips Mole Poblano Chiles en Nogada Hundreds of food vendors set up the night before to sell a variety of food including: Antojitos (finger foods) Candies Ponche (punch) made from guava, sugar, raisins and apples

12. Mexican Independence Day Feels Like: A feeling of excitement all day long Dancers dizzily twirl around in traditional dances Crowds of people jostling through the streets Culminates in a “feeling of euphoria” during “el grito”

14. VIVAMEXICO!VIVAMEXICO! Sources: Herz, May. 16 de Diciembre: El Grito de Independencia. Online. Sept. 12, 2007. http://www.inside-mexico.com/featureindep.htm History of Mexican Independence, The. Online. Sept. 12, 2007. mexonline.com