Mexico's Independence Day is almost here. No, it's not on Cinco de Mayo.
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PHOENIX — Mexico's Independence Day, celebrated on Sept. 16, is commonly confused with the U.S.-centric celebration of Cinco de Mayo — even by people who are of Mexican descent.
With celebrations taking place throughout the United States, here's what you need to know about how the fight for independence in Mexico began, and how that celebration has transcended borders more than 200 years later.
How is Independence Day celebrated in Mexico?
September marks Mexico's Mes de la Patria, or patriotic month, with Sept. 16 commemorating the beginning of the fight for independence against Spanish forces, who controlled the country for more than 300 years.
As the days go by, the streets fill with vendors selling Mexican flags of different sizes, rattles, and typical clothing — folkloric skirts, peasant blouses, shawls, zarapes and huarache sandals.
In schools, classrooms are decorated with green, white and red papel picado (perforated paper), and patriotic parties are organized where students gather to share Mexican dishes and watch ballet folklórico.
What is 'El Grito de Dolores'? How the fight began
This celebration is characterized by the performance of “El Grito de Dolores,” or battle cry. El grito was inspired on Sept. 16, 1810, when Catholic priest Don Miguel Hidalgo y Costilla rang the bells of his parish and called on the Mexican population to take up arms against the Spanish authorities in a fight that would last 11 years.
Every year, a performance of the battle cry is carried out in the National Palace in the capital of Mexico City. Inside the building in the Ambassadors Hall, a military escort made up of students from the Heroic Military College delivers the flag to the current president of Mexico while the national anthem plays.
Later, the president approaches the balcony and addresses the attendees in the Zócalo esplanade to ring out the same cry, which includes the names of the heroes of independence, such as Miguel Hidalgo, José María Morelos y Pavón, Josefa Ortiz de Dominguez and Ignacio Allende.
Cities and organizations around the country plan events focused on this celebration for people to come together and learn about Mexican culture.
How is Mexican Independence Day celebrated in the U.S.?
The General Consulate of Mexico, located in major cities such as Las Vegas, New York and Miami, also organizes community events that feature a performance of the battle cry. Similarly, several universities, media groups and local organizations prepare events throughout cities with large concentrations of Mexican residents.
From El Grito ceremonies and concerts featuring famous Mexican musicians to art exhibitions and festivals for the whole family, the day is always commemorated in a massive way and usually aims to educate and emphasize the importance of the date for those who live in the United States.
Mexican Independence Day vs. Cinco de Mayo
Confusion persists In the United States about when Independence Day is actually celebrated in Mexico, according to Irasema Coronado, director of the School of Transborder Studies at Arizona State University.
“May 5 has become a completely commercialized holiday to celebrate in a big way, right?" she said. "There are even people who tell you, 'Have a happy Cinco de Mayo,' and that is not at all part of the reason why May 5th is celebrated. It is a very misunderstood holiday and I think Sept. 16 is the same.”
Cinco De Mayo:How did the holiday become more popular in the United States than Mexico?
While May 5 has become a day to celebrate Mexican culture in the United States, the holiday is relatively minor in Mexico. Also known as the “Battle of Puebla,” it commemorates the battle won against the French troops that invaded the country in 1862 in an attempt to establish their empire in Mexican territory.
Hispanic Heritage Month
Another celebration that is also combined with that of Mexican independence is Hispanic Heritage Month, which is commemorated in the United States between Sept. 15 and Oct. 15.
Throughout the month, people organize events that celebrate the achievements, traditions and stories of people of Latino or Hispanic origin.
The month has been recognized as a holiday by law since 1968 thanks to President Lyndon Johnson. During these days, the anniversaries of the independence of several Latin American countries, such as Chile, Costa Rica, El Salvador, Guatemala, Honduras and Mexico, also are celebrated.
Coronado said it's up to Latinos of Mexican origin to study the history of the United States and Mexico to understand the importance of the connection between these two countries and educate others on the importance of accurately celebrating Mexico's origins.
Want to celebrate Hispanic Heritage Month and Mexican Independence Day? Events around the US
Visit these USA TODAY Network sites to find events to celebrate near you.
- Nashville, Tenn.
- Phoenix, Ariz.
- Rochester, N.Y.
- Gastonia, N.C.
- Savannah, GA.
- Jersey Shore, N.J.
- Greenbay, Wisc.
- Springfield, IL
- Tallahassee, FL
- Stockton, CA
- Salinas, CA
- El Paso, Texas
- Columbus, Ohio
- Oklahoma City, OK.
- Pueblo, CO.