How is Mexican Independence Day celebrated?

It is a common misconception that Cinco de Mayo is Mexico's Independence Day; however, that holiday actually commemorates a military victory over French invaders in 1862. Mexican Independence Day is celebrated on September 16, marking the anniversary of the 1810 call to revolt against Spanish colonial rule.12

The primary tradition associated with the holiday is the reenactment of the Grito de Dolores (Cry of Dolores), the battle cry first uttered by the priest Miguel Hidalgo y Costilla.23

Celebrations include:

• The Presidential Reenactment: On the eve of September 16, the Mexican president appears on the balcony of the National Palace in Mexico City to shout a version of the grito—such as "¡Viva México! ¡Viva la Independencia! ¡Vivan los héroes!"—to a large crowd of revelers.23
• Nationwide Observance: This ceremony is broadcast throughout the country, and similar reenactments are held in plazas, towns, and villages across Mexico, where crowds gather to join local leaders in the clamorous cry.31