Cinco De Mayo Is NOT Mexican Independence Day
Photo by Pedro González/LatinContinent/Getty Images
Contrary to popular belief, Cinco de Mayo is not Mexico’s Independence Day. The real Mexican Independence Day takes place on September 16th. On the eve of this day, the President of Mexico reenacts “El Grito” (“The Cry”).
In 1810, Miguel Hidalgo y Costilla rang the bell of his church to signify the start of the war for Mexican independence from Spain. The day isn’t complete without a fantastic spread of food and, of course, fireworks! Towers of willow and palm stalks are filled with fireworks, firecrackers, and sparklers, then they are set on fire to display a magical explosion. See which country you’ll want to break out the paint for if you visit in August…
