On September 16, 1810, Miguel Hidalgo, a Catholic priest, rang the church bells in the town of Dolores, Mexico to call on the Mexican people to rebel against Spanish colonial authority.

This event is now known as El Grito de Dolores (The Cry of Dolores) marking the beginning of Mexico’s fight for its independence.

Every year, Mexicans around the world celebrate this occasion with parades, festivals, and the reenactment of Hidalgo’s cry for freedom.

On National Day, military parades are held, public squares are decorated with the colours of the Mexican flag (green, white, and red) and the night skies are lit up with fireworks.

One of the most well-known traditions is when the President of Mexico steps onto the balcony of the National Palace in Mexico City and re-enacts El Grito. 

“The name of all the revolutionaries is shouted out and the public proceeds with shouting “Viva!”, says Penelope Kielgast, a Mexican living in Copenhagen. “And then it ends with the whole crowd shouting “Viva México!”. 

“It is a very unifying day, as it is an important day to us. I gather with all my Mexican friends [at an organised national day festival] and we are dressed up in our typical state dress.”

Penelope says Mexicans are very patriotic and you can easily spot other fellow Mexicans when living abroad.

“I was in the car with my husband, passing by Kongens Nytorv. I looked out the window and saw a group of people and I told my husband they must be Mexican. He asked me how I could be so sure, so I lowered my window and shouted ‘Viva México!’ and the whole group shouted back ‘Viva!’”

This year, the Mexican community living in Denmark has organised a festival, named El Grito!, to celebrate Mexico’s independence.

It will take place this Saturday 14 September, from 12.00 to 23.00.

There will be traditional Mexican food, a piñata for the children, live Mexican music, and a visit from the Mexican ambassador to Denmark, Norma Pensado.

Mexican social and cultural resources in Denmark:
Subscribe to the Mexican embassy’s newsletter, Instituto Cultural de México Dinamarca