Mexican Independence Day, September 16, commemorates the 1810 start of Mexico's War of Independence from Spain. It is Mexico's most important national holiday — significantly bigger than the more US-celebrated Cinco de Mayo.
On September 16, 1810, in the town of Dolores, Father Miguel Hidalgo y Costilla rang the church bell and gave the "Grito de Dolores" — calling for an uprising against Spanish rule. The war for independence lasted 11 years; full independence was achieved in 1821.
The Grito ceremony — at 11 PM on September 15, the Mexican president stands on the balcony of the National Palace overlooking the Zócalo and reenacts Hidalgo's cry, ringing the same bell from Dolores. The crowd responds "¡Viva México!" Fireworks, military parade (Sept 16 morning), tricolor (green-white-red) lights and decorations everywhere.
Chiles en nogada — the patriotic dish (green chile, white walnut sauce, red pomegranate seeds — the Mexican flag colors). Pozole. Birria. Tequila and mezcal.
"¡Viva México!" · "¡Viva la Independencia!"
National public holiday. Massive Zócalo gatherings in Mexico City — book accommodation months ahead. Smaller Grito ceremonies in every Mexican town.