| Keyword | Description |
|---|---|
| El Grito de Independencia | The “Cry of Independence,” a key moment in Mexico’s fight for independence. |
| Criollos | People of Spanish descent born in Mexico, often facing discrimination. |
| Porfirio Díaz | A Mexican president associated with changing the date of independence celebrations. |
Every year, Mexicans celebrate El Grito de Independencia, marking the start of their fight for freedom from Spanish rule. This celebration is vibrant, with streets decorated in green, white, and red. However, there are some myths about this important day. One myth is about the date it should be celebrated. While many believe it’s on September 16, some think it was moved to September 15 by President Porfirio Díaz to match his birthday. However, historical records show the celebrations on September 15 started much earlier.
Back in 1810, a man named Miguel Hidalgo made a call to arms against the Spanish rulers. This happened on September 16 after a secret plan to fight was discovered. Hidalgo’s call was about justice and freedom for the criollos, people born in Mexico to Spanish parents, who were treated unfairly. He shouted “¡Viva la religión! ¡Viva nuestra madre santísima de Guadalupe!” to motivate people to join the cause.
While the exact words Hidalgo used aren’t known, they inspired many to fight for independence, which lasted 11 years. The actual signing of Mexico’s independence happened much later, on September 28, 1821. Despite these details, El Grito remains a major celebration. People gather to enjoy food, music, and community, shouting “¡Viva México!” just like Hidalgo did over 200 years ago.
Bridging words
These words sound similar in English and Spanish: Why not practice them now?
| English | Spanish |
|---|---|
| Independence | Independencia |
| Religion | Religión |
| Celebrate | Celebrar |
Time to discuss
- Why do you think it’s important for countries to celebrate their independence?
- What are some reasons people might change the date of a celebration?
- How can myths affect the way we understand history?
Let’s Write
Answer the following questions in one paragraph.
- What was Miguel Hidalgo’s role in Mexico’s fight for independence?
- Why do people continue to celebrate El Grito de Independencia today?
