Mexican Independence Day

This is the 5th Independence Day I've celebrated with my husband since we've been married and I think this is the third time we've missed the "Grito." That tricky time change thing between Mexico City and Longmont, Colorado! But we are, as usual, watching the festivities; the insane fireworks display at the Zocolo and all the happy people waving Mexican flags as Galavision pans from one city's celebration to another.
This is Mexican Independence Day. It begins with "El Grito de Independencia" (the Independence Cry) at 11:00Pm on September 15. I have to say it's nice to have an official start to the holiday. The Fourth of July seems fairly anti-climatic in comparison. Each city's mayor, or Governor of each state and of course in "Mexico" (Mexico City is just called Mexico, confusing yes!) the president recites "the Grito" to begin the festivities. The Grito celebrates Father Miguel Hidalgo's words to his village of Dolores calling them to fight for freedom. The Grito reads (in English for all you gringos):
"My Children: A new dispensation comes to us today, Will you receive it? Will you free yourselves? Will you recover the lands stolen three hundred years ago by your forefathers, 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!"
This is followed by listing out the patriots with the crowd shouting "Viva" after each name.
The finale ends in a round of
"Viva Mexico," President,
"Viva!" Crowd,
"Viva Mexico" President
"Viva!" Crowd
"Viva Mexico!" President
"Viva!" Crowd
Followed by the ringing of the Independence day bell.
Followed by a lot of fireworks!
The real "grito" 200 years ago marked a 10 year war of independence for Mexico. This is not the day that Mexico became an independent state, but rather the day it became one in the hearts and minds of Mexicans.
This year is especially important because it marks the 200th anniversary from when Hidalgo spoke those very important words.
So tonight, throughout the night, Mexicans will celebrate with dancing, concerts, music, fiestas, and probably a bit of tequila.
It's a proud day to be Mexican. Someday I'll experience the real thing and actually be able to
feel the spirit of the day. But until then I'm going to have to settle for my husbands excitement and Galavision!
VIVA MEXICO