Independence Day in Mexico is traditionally celebrated on September 15, the eve of the actual event, just as most holidays in Puerto Vallarta and other cities. To take in all the merriment, the Malecón is the best place to observe the celebration. Expect thick crowds and lots of noise, as this festival seems to grow exponentially every year.
The War of Independence began in the small town of Dolores, in the area of Guanajuato, when a Mexican Catholic priest, Miguel Hidalgo, made the most famous speech in Mexican history. Unfortunately, no record was kept of that speech and over many decades, its content has been precisely supposed and speculated. On September 16, 1810, Hidalgo urged a crowd, gathered by the recognizable names of men like Juan Aldama, Ignacio Allende and Mariano Abasolo, to revolt and refuse to be patriots to the likes of Napoleon or the elite citizens of the country, known at that time as the Gachupines. A Gachupin was a native Spaniard and hate for them became a very trendy thing as time passed.
We love the gathering of locals; truly a family night of high spirits, amazing fireworks and gaiety. The highlight of the evening is a reenactment of the famous cry of Hidalgo and from city to town, village to hamlet, at the highest point to be seen, the local mayor will thrill the throngs with a preprogrammed speech consisting of the following (in Spanish, of course): Mexicans! Long live the heroes that gave us the Fatherland and liberty! Long live Hidalgo! Long live Morelos! Long live Josefa Ortiz de Dominguez! Long live Allende! Long live Galeana and the Bravos! Long live Aldama and Matamoros! Long live National Independence! Long Live Mexico! Long Live Mexico! Long Live Mexico! Citizens are invited to join in this cry and usually are quite ready and willing, aftern listening to what is usually a tedious drawn out pre-speech-speech from Hizzoner.
Viva México! is likely to be repeated consistently and vociferously throughout the evening with absolutely no restraint. In Puerto Vallarta, this occurrence will take place at the central plaza on the ocean side of The Cathedral de Guadalupe and as we stated, a spectacular display of fireworks, not to be missed. Expect more people than you could have thought would fit into downtown Puerto Vallarta; lots of great music, including brilliant Mariachi and typical street food. We never miss the chance to have a taste of Chiles en Nogada, the traditional Independence dish, on this day.
Viva México!
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Thanks to our guest blogger Adam Garcia for this article!