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Mexican Independence Day celebrates the beginning of Mexico's fight for sovereignty.
On September 16th of 1810, Catholic priest Miguel Hidalgo y Costilla - “the father of Mexican Independence” - called for independence from Spain in the famous "Grito de Dolores”, this was the beginning of an 11 year war, ending 300 years of Spanish rule in Mexico.
Independence Day in Mexico is celebrated with huge street parties, parades, and everything from fireworks, to rodeos, to brass band, mariachi performances and traditional folk dancing in the streets (bailes folclóricos). In Mexico City, there's a military march that proceeds to the memorial of Hidalgo.
On the evening of September 15, the Mexican president recreates "El Grito" in front of a crowd of hundreds of thousands from the balcony of the National Palace. After each line, the audience chimes in with a spirited "Viva!" culminating in the president ringing a bell as another tribute to Hidalgo.
Local politicians occasionally do their own rendition of "El Grito."
Travel to one of these iconic Mexican towns that had a role in Mexican Independence and are driving distance from Mexico City.
Historic Monuments Zone of Querétaro is one of UNESCO World Heritage Sites, the old colonial town of Querétaro is unusual in having retained the geometric street plan of the Spanish conquerors side by side with the twisting alleys of the Indian quarters.
The Otomi, the Tarasco, the Chichimeca and the Spanish lived together peacefully in the town, which is notable for the many ornate civil and religious Baroque monuments from its golden age in the 17th and 18th centuries.
Likewise, Querétaro witnessed important events during Mexican Independence.
• “Casa de la Corregidora” - had a key role in Mexican independence - which currently stands as the State Government Building
• Sierra Gorda de Querétaro - so many places to visit and its versatile, you can go for a hike, bike rides, visit museums, endless possibilities
• Vineyards close to Querétaro City
• Archeological site “El Cerrito”: A 40 meter of hight pyramid with a colonial building on top, only 7 km from city centre
• Peña de Bernal, the 3rd biggest monolith in the world, composed of volcanic rock. For rock climbers or tourists
• Dodo café, Fiume and DiVino in city centre
• La Única near Los Arcos iconic aqueduct
• La Bocha near Juriquilla Lake
• La Casa del Atrio - Boutique Hotel centrally located in the heart of Historic Downtown in a completely refurbished 19th century house, it features an holistic SPA and an art gallery & antique shop.
• La Casa de la Marquesa - Historic 18th century building is situated in Downtown Querétaro. Features the elegant and opulent decorations of 18th century, suites are furnished with antiques and wooden floors.
• Hotel Criol - Behind a bright, unassuming facade, this modern, trendy boutique hotel in a sleek building with wood beams and floor-to-ceiling windows is a 3-minute walk from dining in Plaza de Armas's historic city square.
• Hotel Casa Once - Made up of two large houses located one block away from each other. On the upper floor there is a terrace overlooking the domes of the city. Its location on two colorful and silent streets, just one block from Plaza de Armas allows you to walk through the entire historic center. Its decorated with Querétaro design furniture made to measure with Mexican materials.
Guanajuato is one of UNESCO World Heritage Sites. It was founded by the Spanish in the early 16th century, it became the world's leading silver-extraction centre in the 18th century. This can be seen in its 'subterranean streets' and the 'Boca del Inferno'.
The town's fine Baroque and neoclassical buildings, resulting from the prosperity of the mines, have influenced buildings throughout central Mexico. Guanajuato was also witness to events which changed the history of the country, such as Mexican Independence.
• “Monumento al Pípila” which offers the best city view
• “Museo Regional de Guanajuato” which used to be the “Alhóndiga de Granaditas” key in Mexican Independence history and is now a museum
• Silver City: La Valenciana Mine - these old mines - some dating to the mid-1600s - are designated as a UNESCO World Heritage Site
• The Diego Rivera House and Museum - Diego Rivera is one of Mexico’s most prominent artists who painted spectacular murals. The home and birth place of Guanajuato’s most famous son has been converted into a museum displaying some of his lesser paintings and restoring the house to re-create it as it was at the time of his birth.
• Casa Mercedes - Chicharrón de atún and corn bread are a must
• Mercado Hidalgo - bright and colorful with many options, worth the experience
• Oajillo - must try salmon, mezcals and gin mixology
• La Taberna de Diego y Frida - iconic aguachile, octopus and steaks
• Hotel Boutique 1850 - 4 star boutique luxury hotel with an excellent location, contemporary decor, pillow menu, chic rooftop lounge, and wonderful spa treatments.
• Edelmira Hotel Boutique - For a mid-range boutique hotel in a central location, this is a great choice. It's set on a pedestrian street and comes with a small pool and free breakfast.
• Posada Santa Fe - affordable historic hotel offers an unbeatable location with old-world charm.
• El Meson de los Poetas - You can expect budget-friendly rates at this restored 18th-century mansion. You'll find colonial decor, many stairs, and professional staff.
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San Miguel de Allende is also one of UNESCO World Heritage Sites. A remarkable example of 16th-century Spanish Colonial Baroque architecture, as well as a place of vital importance during the Mexican Independence.
The city's colonial authenticity, cultural integrity, and the excellent condition of its historic downtown were key elements that contributed to the UNESCO designation.
• Historical Museum - Housed in a building of the seventeenth century, which was the home of Ignacio Allende. Currently, the museum showcases about 80 pieces, among which are several personal items from Allende, archaeological artifacts from Mesoamerican cultures and the region, as well as several historical documents of San Miguel.
• Sanctuary of Atotonilco - UNESCO World Heritage Site and is famous for its Mexican Baroque murals. The paintings are so beautiful, in fact, that it has been called the “Sistine Chapel of Mexico”
• Botanical Gardens - over 160 acres of protected land in the mountains above San Miguel de Allende, where they preserve both indigenous flora and fauna and plants from around the country.
• Angela Peralta Theatre - Built in 1873, the theater was opened by the Mexican queen of opera, Angela Peralta. Thanks to extensive improvements, the sound is excellent and there isn’t a bad seat in the house
• Ki’bok Coffee - best coffee in town
• Hierba Santa Cocina del Sur - must try crema de poblano, ceviches and octopus tostada
• Mercado del Carmen - Terrific variety of food stations in a cozy environment
• Marsala - Don’t go without tasting the tuna tartare, milanesa Marsala, and the LAMB BURGER
• Quince Rooftop - its a complete experience… food, drinks and an amazing view
• Mansion San Miguel - Comfy accommodation, while retaining its historic ambience
• Hotel Boutique Nena - Charming stone building on a tree-lined street, this polished boutique hotel is 7 minutes' walk from the central Jardín Allende and 8 minutes on foot from the Historical Museum of San Miguel de Allende. Beware its adults only
• Casa 1810 - just a block away from San Miguel's central square. Here, you'll bed down in a centuries-old casona with colonial-era Spanish Baroque details, along with Mexican-made mosaics.
• Hotel Casa Nare - combines quality accommodation with a real homey spirit in the heart of San Miguel historical district
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