Independence from Spain (1821)

  Independence from Spain (1821)

The fight for independence began on September 16, 1810, when Father Miguel Hidalgo y Costilla, a Catholic priest, gave his famous speech, the "Grito de Dolores" (Cry of Dolores), in the town of Dolores, Guanajuato.

• Hidalgo called for the people to rise up against Spanish rule, demanding freedom and justice.

• His speech inspired thousands of indigenous and mestizo peasants to join the fight, marking the beginning of the Mexican War of Independence.

• Although Hidalgo was captured and executed in 1811, his movement continued under new leaders, such as José María Morelos, Vicente Guerrero, and Agustín de Iturbide.

Today, September 16th is celebrated as Mexico's Independence Day, with the President of Mexico reenacting the Grito de Dolores every year in Mexico City's Zócalo (main square).