When is Mexican Independence Day? Origin of Hispanic Heritage Month

Belia Lopez, an Austin resident from Guadalajara, waves Mexico flags at the Fiesta de la Independencia de México at Republic Square Park on Monday, Sep. 15, 2-25 in Austin.
Aaron E. Martinez/Austin American-Statesman

While some assume Cinco de Mayo is Mexican Independence Day, the biggest Mexican holiday comes four months later. Here's an overview of Mexican Independence Day and the country's other major holidays.

Mexico’s Independence Day — Diez y Seis de Septiembre — is celebrated on Sept. 16, which falls on a Tuesday this year. It commemorates Father Miguel Hidalgo y Costilla’s Grito de Dolores (“Cry of Dolores”), delivered in the early morning hours of Sept. 16, 1810, in the village of Dolores near Guanajuato. In his call to arms, Hidalgo urged the people to rise up and end Spanish rule in Mexico.

When is Hispanic Heritage Month?

Hispanic Heritage Month begins each year on Sept. 15, a date chosen to coincide with the independence anniversaries of several Latin American countries, including Costa Rica, El Salvador, Guatemala, Honduras and Nicaragua. Mexico and Chile also celebrate their independence days in the same week.

The observance originated in 1968 as Hispanic Heritage Week under President Lyndon B. Johnson and was expanded to a month-long celebration in 1988. Today, it recognizes the cultural and economic impact of more than 63 million Latinos living in the U.S. — a group that represents nearly one in five Americans.

The month carries particular resonance in Texas, where Latino communities have shaped the state’s foodways, music, politics and daily life for centuries. In Austin, that influence can be seen in everything from the murals on East César Chávez Street to the rhythms of conjunto and cumbia that animate local dance floors.

Hilda Limon and Melanie Madrid (daughter) enjoying the performances aat the annual "Fiesta del Grito" celebrations at the Texas Capitol for Mexican Independence Day on September 15, 2016. Martin do Nascimento for AMERICAN-STATESMAN
Austin American-Statesman

What are the major national holidays in Mexico?

• Sept. 16: Independence Day (Día de la Independencia)
• Nov. 17: Revolution Day (Día de la Revolución)
• Feb. 5: Constitution Day (Día de la Constitución)
• March 21: Benito Juárez's Birthday (Natalicio de Benito Juárez)
• May 1: Labor Day (Día del Trabajo)