Have you ever wondered why Texans celebrate Dieciseis de Septiembre every year? Today is a huge fiesta in Mexico and for Mexicans around the world, that celebrates Mexico's independence from Spain 200 years ago!
On Sept. 16, 1810, Father Miguel Hidalgo y Costilla, rang the church bells and took a stand against Spain with the "grito de Dolores," a cry for revolution, from Dolores, in the state of Guanajuato in Mexico.
That day, Hidalgo kick started a war between Spain and Mexico which eventually led to Mexico's independence in 1821. All across Mexico, Father Hidalgo is beloved as the "Father of Mexico" and Diez y seies de Septiembre is the Mexican equivalent of July the 4th. Even the President of Mexico participates by ringing that same bell - now over 200 years old - live on TV the night before the big celebration.
Viva la Independencia Nacional
