Mexico Independence Day remembers the moment the movement for independence began. On the night of September 15 into the early hours of September 16, 1810, a priest named Miguel Hidalgo called the people to rise up in the town of Dolores.
His call to action is known as the Grito de Dolores, or the Cry of Dolores. It set off a long struggle that led to Mexico gaining its independence from Spain, which was formally achieved in 1821.
Today, September 16 is a national holiday across Mexico. It honors the beginning of that fight and the people who shaped the country's independence.
The celebration is a blend of national pride, family gatherings, and festive tradition.
On the evening of September 15, crowds fill town squares as leaders reenact the Grito de Dolores. In Mexico City, the president rings an historic bell and calls out cheers that the crowd echoes, followed by fireworks.
The colors green, white, and red appear everywhere, from decorations to clothing. Families and communities come together for music, dancing, and traditional foods that make the occasion feel special.
For families with loved ones abroad, the holiday is also a time to stay connected. Many people send a little extra home so relatives can join the celebrations, whether that means food for a gathering or support for the festivities. When the moment matters, MoneyGram helps you send money to Mexico quickly and securely.
A little planning helps the day go smoothly, especially if you are traveling or sending money.
If you plan to visit Mexico for the celebrations, check travel documents ahead of time, as explained in do you need a passport to travel to Mexico. Booking early also helps during a busy holiday period.
If you are sending money for the occasion, timing matters around holidays, since banks and some services may follow holiday schedules. To understand the full cost of a transfer before you send, see what does it cost to send money to Mexico.
MoneyGram has cash pickup at nearly 500,000 locations worldwide, including over 92,000 across Mexico, backed by 85 years of trust.
No. These are two different holidays. Mexico Independence Day is on September 16 and marks the start of the fight for independence from Spain in 1810. Cinco de Mayo is on May 5 and commemorates a Mexican military victory at the Battle of Puebla in 1862. Independence Day is the larger national celebration in Mexico.
The main festivities begin on the evening of September 15 because that is when Miguel Hidalgo made his call to action, the Grito de Dolores, in 1810. Leaders across Mexico reenact the Grito that night, followed by fireworks, before the national holiday on September 16.
Traditions include the reenactment of the Grito de Dolores, ringing of a historic bell, fireworks, parades, and displays of the national colors of green, white, and red. Families gather to share traditional foods, music, and dancing, both in Mexico and among communities abroad.
Support family for the festivities with a quick, secure transfer to Mexico.
