If you walk into any Mexican grocery store or a neighborhood in East L.A. during mid-September, you’ll see it. Green, white, and red everywhere. Paper banners—papel picado—fluttering in the wind. People are buying massive quantities of corn, pork shoulder, and tequila. Most outsiders see the fireworks and the parades and assume it’s just another excuse for a long weekend. But for anyone with roots in Mexican soil, asking what is 16 of september isn't just a calendar question. It’s a deep-seated identity marker.
It is the start of a revolution. It’s messy.
Honestly, there is a massive misconception that happens every single year. You’ve probably seen it on social media. People post "Happy Cinco de Mayo!" on May 5th, thinking they are celebrating Mexican Independence. They aren't. Not even close. May 5th commemorates a single battle in Puebla against the French. It’s a regional holiday that got marketed into a global drinking event. The 16th of September? That’s the "Big One." That is the day the country decided it was done being a colony of Spain.
The Grito: Why Everything Starts at 11:00 PM on the 15th
To understand what is 16 of september, you have to look at the night before. History isn't always a neat line. In 1810, a priest named Miguel Hidalgo y Costilla didn't wait for the sun to come up on the 16th to start the movement. He rang the church bells in the small town of Dolores in the middle of the night.
He didn't have a polished political manifesto. He had a cry.
The Grito de Dolores was a call to arms. It was a "get your machetes and let's go" moment. Because of this, the official celebration actually kicks off on the night of September 15th. In Mexico City, the President stands on the balcony of the National Palace. He rings the same bell Hidalgo used. He yells "¡Viva México!" and the crowd—thousands of people packed into the Zócalo—roars it back. It’s loud. It’s emotional. It’s a bit chaotic.
The 16th itself is the aftermath. It’s the day of the grand military parade. While the 15th is for the party, the 16th is for the pride. If you’re in Mexico City, the flyovers from the Air Force will wake you up early.
What was actually said?
Interestingly, nobody knows exactly what Hidalgo screamed. Historical accounts vary. Some say he shouted "Death to bad government!" others claim he invoked the Virgin of Guadalupe. What matters isn't the transcript, but the spark. It turned a group of exhausted, oppressed people into an insurgent army.
✨ Don't miss: Weather Forecast Calumet MI: What Most People Get Wrong About Keweenaw Winters
It Wasn't a Quick Victory
Don't think for a second that the 16th of September marks the day Mexico became free. It marks the day they started trying.
The war lasted 11 years.
Hidalgo didn't even live to see the end of it. He was captured and executed less than a year after his famous cry. The struggle was inherited by others, like José María Morelos and later Agustín de Iturbide. When people ask what is 16 of september, they are asking about the catalyst of a decade of blood and shifting alliances. Spain didn't officially recognize the independence until 1836, though the fighting largely wrapped up in 1821 with the Declaration of Independence of the Mexican Empire.
It’s a long game.
Pozole, Chiles en Nogada, and the Food of the Revolution
You can't talk about this date without talking about the kitchen. For Mexicans, patriotism is edible. If you’re invited to a Noche Mexicana, you aren't getting tacos. You’re getting the heavy hitters.
Pozole is the king of the table. It’s a hominy-based soup, usually with pork or chicken. It takes hours to make. The corn kernels have to "bloom" like little white flowers. You top it with radish, oregano, lime, and plenty of chili. Historically, this dish has roots going back to the Aztecs, making it a symbolic bridge between the indigenous past and the post-colonial present.
Then there is Chiles en Nogada. This is the most "September" dish in existence. Look at it:
🔗 Read more: January 14, 2026: Why This Wednesday Actually Matters More Than You Think
- Green: The poblano pepper.
- White: The walnut-based cream sauce (nogada).
- Red: The pomegranate seeds sprinkled on top.
It literally looks like the Mexican flag. It’s seasonal because pomegranates and walnuts are at their peak right now. Legend has it that the dish was created by nuns in Puebla to honor Agustín de Iturbide when he passed through the city after winning independence.
Eating this isn't just dinner. It’s a ritual.
Why This Date Matters in 2026
In a world that feels increasingly globalized, national identity can sometimes feel like a relic. But for the Mexican diaspora—especially in the U.S., Canada, and Europe—the 16th of September is a tether.
It’s about more than just a historical break from Spain. It’s about the "Mexicanidad." It’s the one day a year where the complexities of the border, the politics, and the economy take a backseat to a shared sense of belonging. Whether you are a third-generation immigrant in Chicago or a digital nomad in Puerto Vallarta, the 16th is the day you claim your space.
Common Misconceptions That Need to Die
We have to address the elephant in the room. Most of the English-speaking world is confused.
- It is NOT Cinco de Mayo. I'll say it again. September 16th is the birth of the nation. May 5th is a battle anniversary. If you wish a Mexican person "Happy Independence Day" in May, they will probably smile politely, but inside, they are sighing.
- It wasn't just about "Freedom." It was complicated. Initially, some of the revolutionaries actually claimed they were loyal to the Spanish King (Fernando VII) who had been ousted by Napoleon. They wanted to protect Mexico from French influence as much as they wanted to be free from Spanish taxes. History is rarely black and white.
- The "Grito" isn't a song. It’s a literal shout. While "Cielito Lindo" will definitely be sung at some point during the night, the Grito is a specific civic ceremony.
Real Ways to Experience the 16th of September
If you want to actually "celebrate" rather than just watch from the sidelines, you have to do it right. Skip the generic "Mexican-themed" bars.
Find a local community center or a plaza. In many cities with large Mexican populations, there will be a civic ceremony where a local leader performs a version of the Grito.
💡 You might also like: Black Red Wing Shoes: Why the Heritage Flex Still Wins in 2026
Listen to the music. You’ll hear Mariachi, sure. But you’ll also hear Son Jarocho from Veracruz or Banda from Sinaloa. The 16th is a showcase of regional diversity. Mexico isn't a monolith; it’s a collection of very different states held together by a common history.
Pro Tip: If you are in Mexico, the 16th is a statutory holiday. This means almost everything is closed. The banks are shut. The government offices are dark. The streets are empty in the morning because everyone is sleeping off the party from the night before, only to emerge at noon for the parades.
Putting It Into Practice: Your Action Plan
If you want to honor the spirit of the day, don't just buy a sombrero. Engage with the actual history.
- Read the Sentimientos de la Nación. This document, written by José María Morelos in 1813, laid out the vision for a Mexico free from slavery and social class distinctions. It’s powerful stuff.
- Support Authentic Artisans. Instead of buying mass-produced party favors, look for folk art (artesanía) made by Mexican creators.
- Cook (or find) real Pozole. Skip the canned stuff. Find a family-owned fonda or restaurant that has been simmering their broth since 4:00 AM.
- Learn the names. Move beyond Hidalgo. Look up Leona Vicario, a journalist and feminist who acted as a secret messenger for the insurgents. Or Vicente Guerrero, the general who finally helped bring the war to a close.
The 16th of September is a reminder that independence isn't a gift. It was a messy, dangerous, and long-term project. It started with a bell and a shout in the dark, and it continues every time a person of Mexican descent honors their roots.
So, when the sun hits the pavement on the morning of the 16th, and you see the parades starting, remember: this isn't just a party. It’s the sound of a country that refused to be silenced.
Next Steps for Your Celebration:
Check your local city's cultural calendar for the "Ceremonia del Grito." Most major cities in North America hold these on the evening of the 15th. If you're planning to cook, secure your chiles poblanos and granada (pomegranate) at least three days in advance, as specialized markets often sell out of these specific ingredients by the 14th. Finally, take a moment to read a brief biography of Josefa Ortiz de Domínguez—the woman who actually warned the rebels that they had been discovered, effectively saving the revolution before it even began.