Padre Miguel Hidalgo, whose 1810 cry for freedom from Spain set in motion the fight for what is now Mexico's independence. His original estandarte (banner) bearing a likeness of Nuestra Señora de Guadalupe (Our Lady of Guadalupe) is part of Mexico's historic patrimony.
Mexico's struggle for freedom from Spanish colonization began in earnest sometime between midnight and dawn on September 16, 1810, when Father Miguel Hidalgo stood up with the estandarte to shout out the Grito de Dolores (Cry of Dolores--"Dolores" being the name of the town known today as Dolores Hidalgo, Guanajuato. The grito precedes the parades of school children and military battalions, politicians proclaiming speeches, and general festivity. In normal times--prior to COVID-19--Mexico has always celebrated its Fiestas Patrias (Patriotic Holidays) on September 16, with enormous energy. Last year (2020) and this year will be much more subdued.
Flag sellers' carts blossom all over Mexico for a month or so prior to Independence Day. I usually go take a look at what the latest souvenir is, and if I need to replace the little Mexican flag on my desk, this is the time to do that.
The little Mexican flag on my desk. I think it will last another year, if the cats don't try to chew on it! This wee flag measures about six inches long and three inches high.
Hundreds of books have been written about Mexico's break from Spain, millions of words have been dedicated to exploring the lives of the daring men and women who knew, a bare 200 years ago, that the time had come for freedom. You can read some of the history on the Internet. Another excellent source for Mexican history is The Life and Times of Mexico, by Earl Shorris. You'll find that highly readable book available on the left-hand side of this page. Just click on the book cover to order it from Amazon.
This bandera monumental (monumentally-sized Mexican national flag) waves over one of the highest points in the city of Morelia. In 1999, former Mexican president Ernesto Zedillo Ponce de León initiated the program of oversize flags made to fly over some of Mexico's historic cities. These enormous flags generally measure more than 14 meters high by 25 meters long and fly from 50-meter-high flagpoles.
The balcony of Mexico City's Palacio del Gobierno (government office building). On the night of September 15, President Andrés Manuel López Obrador will stand on the balcony to give the annual grito (shout) that is said to replicate Padre Hidalgo's rallying cry for independence. In every Mexican town, no matter its size, the elected official will also give the grito during that night.
The Palacio de Gobierno in Morelia, Michoacán, all dressed up on September 15, 2020, ready for the Grito. In the center of the facade is the balcony from which the Grito is proclaimed by the governor.
Mexico City's metropolitan cathedral and the zócalo (main square) with its bandera monumental, perfect for Independence Day festivities. The 2021 verbena patria (patriotic festivity) in the nation's capital promises to be low key, in keeping with protection from COVID-19.
In Morelia, considered to be the cradle of independence--it was in this city, then called Vallodolid, that the pro-independence conspiracy was developed in 1809--the budget is supposed to be 28.5 million pesos (a bit over two million United States dollars). Many Michoacanos are thrilled with the Fiestas Patrias party plans, while many others are outraged at this huge expenditure that comes at a time when Mexico is suffering not only an economic but a political and psychological crisis.
A tiny kiosko (bandstand) in a small-town plaza in the state of Jalisco, decorated for its Fiestas Patrias.
Today, Mexico is as it has always been: a country of profound contrasts. Life parties with death in 2021 just as much as it did in 1810. The road behind us and before us is littered with confetti and spent shell casings. Our continuing task is to find la ruta a la independencia (the path to independence).
José Guadalupe Posada (1851-1913), La Calavería. I suspect these esqueletitos (little skeletons) are celebrating their independence!
Viva México! Qué viva!
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