| Keyword | Description |
|---|---|
| El Grito de Independencia | A celebration in Mexico marking the start of the war for independence from Spain. |
| Miguel Hidalgo | A priest who led the call for Mexican independence in 1810. |
| Criollos | People of Spanish descent born in Mexico. |
In Mexico, during September, cities and towns prepare for a special event called El Grito de Independencia, or the Cry of Independence. This celebration marks the beginning of Mexico’s fight for freedom from Spain, which started on September 16, 1810.
Miguel Hidalgo, a priest, led this movement. On the night of September 15, he and his friends found out their secret plan for independence was discovered, so they acted quickly. Early the next morning, Hidalgo called out to the people of Dolores Hidalgo to join the fight against Spanish rule. This call is known as “El Grito.”
Many people think El Grito is celebrated on September 15 because it matches the birthday of an old president, Porfirio Díaz. However, the tradition of celebrating on this evening started before his time. People prefer evening celebrations because it’s more exciting with fireworks and music.
During El Grito, people shout “¡Viva México!” and enjoy traditional foods like pozole (a soup) and drinks, like tequila. This event is an important part of Mexican culture, bringing everyone together to celebrate their history and freedom.
Bridging words
These words sound similar in English and Spanish: Why not practice them now?
| English | Spanish |
|---|---|
| Independence | Independencia |
| Tradition | Tradición |
| Community | Comunidad |
Time to discuss
- Why do you think El Grito de Independencia is important to Mexicans?
- What do you think it would be like to hear Miguel Hidalgo’s original call for independence?
- How does celebrating at night make the event more exciting?
Let’s Write
Answer the following questions in one paragraph.
- Describe why El Grito de Independencia is celebrated.
- Explain what Miguel Hidalgo did on the morning of September 16, 1810.
