Mexican Independence Day — Día de la Independencia — is Mexico's most important national holiday, celebrated every 16 September (a Wednesday in 2026). It begins the night before with the famous cry of "El Grito." Here's the history — and why it's often confused with Cinco de Mayo.
See the Mexican Independence Day holiday page or Mexico's holiday calendar.
Why is Mexican Independence Day on September 16?
It marks the "Grito de Dolores" of 16 September 1810 — the morning the parish priest Miguel Hidalgo y Costilla rang the church bell in the town of Dolores and called on the people to rise up against Spanish colonial rule.
That call sparked the Mexican War of Independence, which continued for over a decade until Mexico finally won independence from Spain in 1821.
It is NOT Cinco de Mayo
A very common mix-up: Cinco de Mayo (5 May) is not Mexican Independence Day. Cinco de Mayo marks the Battle of Puebla (1862), a victory over French forces — and it's a relatively minor holiday in most of Mexico (bigger in the US).
Mexico's true independence day is 16 September.
How it's celebrated: "El Grito"
- On the night of 15 September, the President of Mexico rings the bell of the National Palace and re-enacts Hidalgo's cry from the balcony, shouting "¡Viva México!" to huge crowds in the Zócalo.
- Mayors and officials lead the same ceremony in towns across the country.
- 16 September brings parades (including a major military parade), fireworks, music and the green-white-red of the Mexican flag everywhere.
- It is a national public holiday.
Quick answers
Why is Mexican Independence Day on September 16? It marks the Grito de Dolores on 16 September 1810, when Miguel Hidalgo called for rebellion against Spanish rule, starting the war of independence.
Is Cinco de Mayo Mexican Independence Day? No. Cinco de Mayo marks the 1862 Battle of Puebla. Mexico's independence day is 16 September.
What is "El Grito"? The ceremonial re-enactment of Hidalgo's 1810 cry for independence, performed by the President on the night of 15 September and by officials nationwide.
When is Mexican Independence Day 2026? Wednesday, 16 September 2026 — it is always 16 September.