Historical Significance of Diez y Seis de Septiembre

     The tradition of the Diez y Seis de Septiembre festival dates back to September 16, 1810, when the impoverished peasants of Mexico, declared their independence from Spain. It would take eleven more years for the country to gain its freedom.

     This year the 27^th annual Diez y Seis de Septiembre fiesta, a three-day fiesta beginning on Sept. 16-18, will be highlighted on September 16, with the re-enactment of "El Grito de Independencia." This call for independence dates back to September 15, 1810, when Fr. Miguel Hidalgo y Costilla, a village priest, who is known as the father of Mexico, gave the call for independence.

     The tradition of "El Grito" dates back to the night of September 15, 1810, when Miguel Hidalgo y Costilla, a village priest, had been moved by the poverty of his parishioners, who, due to the rigid laws imposed by the Spaniards could do little to benefit themselves economically. Defying the laws, Fr. Hidalgo began to instruct his people in crafts and agriculture. He also began to hold meetings at the home of Dona Josefa Ortiz de Dominguez (La Corregidora). Fr. Hidalgo eventually used the meeting to advocate revolution against Spain.

     The Spanish government took action, but due to her husband s position as mayor Dona Josefa found out that soldiers had been sent to arrest Fr. Hidalgo, and she sent a message warning him. Thus informed, Fr. Hidalgo decided to move up his plans. Fr. Hidalgo rang the church bells of Dolores, assembled the people of the village, and called for Mexico s independence, life for Mexico, and recognition of the Catholic Church. The assembled crowd of about 600 people took up the battle cry of "Death to the Gachupines(Spanish)."

     On the morning of September 16, 1810, Mexican forces set out to defend their freedom, marching behind two flags featuring La Virgen de Guadalupe, Mexico s patron saint and the other flag bearing the colors of red, white, and green which is still Mexico's flag colors.

Father Hidalgo would not live to see his vision become a reality. Hidalgo was captured and killed within six months. His head was cut off and displayed for ten years in Guanajuato, Mexico.

     In memory of the long struggle for independence from Spanish rule, September 16 marks the Fiestas Patrias (patriotic festival) with music, dancing, and traditional foods. For Hispanics of Mexican decent, the fiestas provide an opportunity to experience the cultural traditions and the rich heritage of this annual festival.