Who was Miguel Hidalgo y Costilla?

Miguel Hidalgo y Costilla was a Roman Catholic priest and a foundational figure in the Mexican War of Independence (1810–1821). He is widely celebrated as the "father of Mexican independence" for his role in initiating the movement to end Spanish colonial rule in Mexico.1

On September 16, 1810, while serving as a parish priest in Dolores, Hidalgo launched the rebellion by delivering the "Grito de Dolores" ("Cry of Dolores"), a call to arms against the colonial government. He led a large, popular army toward Mexico City, but the movement faced significant military setbacks, including a defeat at the Battle of Calderón Bridge in 1811. Following his capture while attempting to flee north, Hidalgo was executed by a firing squad on July 30, 1811. His legacy is honored annually on the eve of Mexican Independence Day, when the president of the republic commemorates the "Grito" from the National Palace.12