Shout of Dolores - September 15, 2024 | Spirit Of The Holidays

¡Viva Mexico! These are the words powerful enough to free a nation on the eve of Mexico’s Independence Day. This is known in Spanish as the “Grito de Dolores” and translated as the Cry or Shout of Dolores, which is reenacted every year on September 15.

In 1810 in the village of Dolores, Father Miguel Hidalgo y Costilla rang his church bells inviting the faithful to gather. As the priest gave a fiery speech demanding freedom from Spain, little did he know that he had set the wheels in motion for the nation’s independence.

In tribute, every year during observances for the Shout of Dolores, Mexico’s president rings the very bell that Father Hidalgo rang, always ending the presidential speech with the words, “¡Viva Mexico!”

Shout of Dolores timeline

1960

A mural in tribute

Juan O'Gorman created the famous mural portraying the Cry of Dolores — located at the Museo Nacional de Historia in Mexico City.

1825

First national celebration

Ratified by the conventions of 1822 and 1824, the Shout of Dolores was celebrated by the nation for the first time.

1821

Mexico wins its independence

Spain accepts the independence of Mexico with the Treaty of Córdoba.

September 16, 1810

The freedom shout

Hidalgo rings the church bells and gives a rousing speech or cry, triggering Mexico’s war for independence.

5 Facts About Mexico's Independence To Free Your Mind, Body And Soul

Freedom comes after 300 years

The Spanish begin ruling Mexico after the fall of the Aztec empire and remain in power for centuries!

Cinco de Mayo is not Independence Day

Contrary to what many people think, Cinco de Mayo commemorates the victory of the Mexican army over the French empire, which took place 50 years after Mexico was free!

You can set your watch by it

The Cry of Dolores is delivered at 11 p.m. sharp on the eve of Independence Day, every year.

It's a two-day Independence Day celebration

Mexicans are super lucky! They get to celebrate their Independence Day over two whole days.

It took 11 years to defeat the Spanish

After Hidalgo’s Cry of Dolores, the war of independence lasted over a decade — a long road to freedom indeed!

How to Observe Shout of Dolores

Party with a purpose

Serve tacos, tamales, guacamole, and an El Grito de la Independencia dish! It's a delicious traditional dish that bears the colors of the national flag. Stuff poblano peppers and cover in spicy, walnut sauce. After the meal, spend some time unpacking the details that make the day so special.

Join the fiesta in Mexico

Mexico becomes especially vibrant during Independence Day and everyone’s invited! This is a great time to enjoy the festivities making every city come alive with parties, fireworks, street fairs and re-enactments. Discover why Mexican people are so proud of their amazing heritage. Get beyond what you read or what think you know about Mexico to get up close and personal with our neighbors to the south.

Give a shout-out with your own parade

Take to the streets wearing white, green, and red! In many Latino communities, there's a festive spirit of joyfulness in the air during the Shout of Dolores. Dance in the streets or check out the art and wall murals. Celebrate!

Why Shout of Dolores is Important

It's a symbol of Mexico's independence

Father Hidalgo’s cry inspired a nation to fight for its freedom. Even after his death, the cry rang loud and clear — stirring brave hearts to continue their revolt until Mexico eventually won independence from Spain.

It initiates the Mexican Independence Day observances

For patriots, this day is important as it starts off the ceremonies to Mexico’s Independence Day. More than that, the cry of "¡Viva Mexico!" reminds Mexicans to be proud of their nation and to remember their hard-won freedoms.

It reminds us of a beloved moment in Mexican history

The events that led to the cry and what happened subsequently are important for the history of Mexico. After centuries of colonization and oppression, the people embarked on a long but rewarding struggle.

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