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"El Grito" |
Mexican Independence Day
Click on photos to enlarge
Soon, the cry for independence will be heard throughout Manzanillo. The 16th of September, or Mexican Independence Day is the culmination of Fiestas Patrias, a festival celebrating Mexico's independence from Spain, and one of the biggest parties of the entire year! The festival reaches a dramatic peak on September 15 at 11 p.m. when President Felipe Calderon appears on the balcony of the National Palace in Mexico City to recite the "Grito de Dolores." |
In Manzanillo, televisions will be
tuned in to him, fiestas will be going on, but everyone will stop to repeat
the "grito" (shout) with him: "Long
Live Independence! Long Live America! Death to Bad Government!"
(More photos) The original "El Grito de Dolores," or "Grito de Independencia". (proclamation for independence) was made on September 15, 1810 by Father Miguel Hidalgo, from the balcony of the Parish of Nuestra Senora de Los Dolores (Our Lady of Sorrows), in the village named Dolores, Guanajuato. |
For more historical information, and to find out about other Mexican holidays, order the 150-page tourist guidebook, "Manzanillo and the state of Colima, Facts, Tips and Day Trips," by local author Susan Dearing. |