Grito de Dolores
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The Grito de Dolores was the call for the independence of Mexico given by Miguel Hidalgo on September 16, 1810, in the town of Dolores, near Guanajuato. "Grito de Dolores" is a pun in Spanish: it can mean both "The Shout from [the town of] Dolores," and "The Cry of Sorrows," signifying the sorrows (or pain, or grievances) that Spain's rule caused Mexico.
Hidalgo rang the church bell to gather his congregation, then called for Mexican independence, the exile or arrest of all Spaniards in Mexico, and ended by calling out, "Mexicanos, ¡Viva México!" (Mexicans, long live Mexico!) Shortly after this speech Hidalgo began an army and tried to take over the government but he was eventually defeated.
Mexico's independence was recognized by the Spanish viceroy in 1821. Since the late 19th century, a re-enactment has become traditional: the President of Mexico rings Hidalgo's bell (now at the National Palace on the Zócalo in Mexico City) and repeats Hidalgo's words (or a variant thereof) every year at 11:00 P.M. on the night of September 15.
The next day, September 16th there is a Militar Parade that starts in the Zócalo and ends at Reforma Avenue.
