Let's Go2Mexico - Articles

September 16th
By Bonzac Land Banking As a Retirement Strategy - September 2007.

The Mexican Independence process was one of the longest in Latin America. The Nueva España (or New Spain) remained under the control of the Spanish Crown for the next three centuries. Nonetheless, by the end of the XVIII century, structural changes in society, economy and politics during the colonial times moved an educated elite of NewSpaniards to reflect on their relationship with Spain. The main fact that motivated this Creole elite to begin this emancipating movement was the French occupation of Spain in 1808. That year both kings, Charles IV and Ferdinand VII successively abdicated in favor of Joseph Bonaparte, leaving Spain in a somewhat French protectorate position.

Several courts were formed in the Spanish colonies in America with the purpose of maintaining Spanish sovereignty over them until the return of Ferdinand VII to the throne. The Nueva España was no exception; the only difference was that this first attempt resulted in the ouster of the Viceroy. Such a situation further radicalized the position of the Creole population.

Once the October scheduled Queretaro conspiracy was discovered, it was finally on September 16th, 1810, in the City of Dolores, Guanajuato, that the independence movement erupted. Early that morning, Father Hidalgo, armed with a standard with the image of Our Lady of Guadalupe, ordered the tolling of the bells calling the people to fight. Father Hidalgo, with the support of at troop of indians and peasants, at the cry of “long live the Virgin of Guadalupe, death to the evil government and the gachupines (derogatory term for Spaniards)", began his march against the authorities, starting the Mexican Independence War. The patriotic fervor quickly extended and many adhered to the cause.

On August 1st, 1911 Father Hidalgo was executed by a firing squad in the City of Chihuahua, but his ideals had already aroused the people’s passion. After his death other patriots furthered his cause, many martyrs ensued, like José María Morelos and other followers of his revolutionary ideas, such as Francisco Javier Mina.

The conflict was far from a homogeneous one. In 1813, the Congress of Chilpancingo (under the protection of generalissimo José María Morelos y Pavón) declared the  constitutional independence of the Mexican America. Morelos’ defeat in 1815 reduced this movement to a guerrilla war. Towards 1820 there were just a few rebel groups in the Southern Sierra Madre and Veracruz. By those dates Agustín de Iturbide signed alliances with most factions for the consummation of the Independence on September 28, 1821. Spain unsuccessfully tried to reclaim Mexico and never formally recognized it until 1836.

It was then that this former Spanish Colony became a short-lived constitutional catholic monarchy named Imperio Mexicano. It was dissolved in 1823 after several conflicts and the separation of Central America. It then became a Federal Republic,its first President was Guadalupe Victoria.

The call to arms of September 16 is called “El Grito de Dolores” (or Cry of Dolores), and it is commemorated every year since, it is our National Holiday enthusiastically celebrated by all Mexicans.

All cities and towns currently celebrate this date at their Main Squares  and Plazas, where the people unite on the night of September 15th, waiting for their highest authority (President, Governor or Mayor) to come out on the balcony before midnight to reenact the scene in which Father Hidalgo called out his  “Grito de Dolores”, waving the Mexican Flag and calling out “Viva Hidalgo,Viva Morelos, Vivan los héroes de la Independencia”, the townspeople responding  “Viva!” everytime, uniting this way again the people and their government in their continuous and daily struggle to keep the Mexican Independence alive and kicking.

After the celebration framed by fireworks and countless miniature flags adding color and movement, families usually gather in a popular festival, food being the main attraction. The towns and cities are filled with decorations weeks prior to this night that fills with decorated food stands and bright green, white and red papercuttings and banners that give it an unmatchable “Fiesta” ambiance.

Provided by: Bonzac Land Banking
E-mail: info@landbankers101.com 

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