The Daily Bulletin Archive

As Buffalo State celebrates National Hispanic Heritage Month, please note that today, September 16, is Mexican Independence Day. This day is celebrated by people of Mexican heritage all over the world, recognizing Mexico’s declaration of independence from Spain in 1810. Similar to July 4 festivities in the United States, the day is filled with events celebrating national pride, including colorful parades, mariachi concerts, and food.

On September 16, 1810, Miguel Hidalgo y Costilla, a priest in the Mexican town of Dolores, rang his church bell and gave a powerful speech known as the Grito de Dolores (Cry of Dolores), setting the War of Independence from Spain in motion. The war lasted 11 years, ending with the signing of a treaty that formally recognized Mexican independence after nearly three centuries of Spanish colonial rule.

Today, Father Costilla is known as the Father of Mexican Independence. Many people mistake Cinco de Mayo (the fifth of May) for Mexico’s Independence Day; however, Cinco de Mayo is a separate holiday commemorating the Mexican army’s victory over France at the Battle of Puebla in 1862, during the Franco-Mexican War.

ˇViva Mexico! (Long Live Mexico!)