Mexico Gears Up for 215th Independence Anniversary with Iconic “Grito” Ceremony

President Sheinbaum to reenact El Grito from National Palace balcony as nationwide festivities kick off in honor of Mexico’s freedom struggle.

Communities across Mexico are preparing for the 215th anniversary of their independence, marked by elaborate parades, fireworks and cultural events culminating in the traditional “Grito de Dolores” on the night of September 15. The President of Mexico will deliver the historic call from the National Palace in Mexico City’s Zócalo, joined by military honors, live music and a spectacular light and fireworks show.

Mexico’s tourism minister says this year’s celebrations will showcase the country’s rich heritage through folk dance, artisan markets and regional cuisine, encouraging both domestic and international visitors to take part in the patriotic pageantry. The nationwide festival highlights green, white and red illuminations across landmark buildings and streets echoing with mariachi melodies and the roar of celebrants waving flags.

Major urban centers will host flagship events:

• Mexico City: Video mapping on the National Palace facade, fireworks and live concert broadcasts across public squares
• Dolores Hidalgo, Guanajuato: Historic reenactment at the church of the first bell toll, with thousands gathering to honor Father Hidalgo’s 1810 call to arms
• Puebla, Guadalajara and Oaxaca: Street festivals featuring regional performances, culinary fairs and open-air markets

In Mexico City’s Tlalpan borough, festivities begin at 17:00 with performances by acclaimed artists such as Regina Orozco and Los Cojolites. The program, organized by the Alcaldía Tlalpan, emphasizes accessible staging and sustainability measures, with the official “Grito” set for 22:00 in the Plaza Cívica.

Across the United States, however, some diaspora celebrations have been scaled back amid immigration-enforcement concerns. In Los Angeles and Chicago, traditional parades and public gatherings have seen reduced attendance or postponements as communities weigh safety against civic pride.

As Mexico embarks on a month-long patriotic fiesta, citizens and visitors alike are reminded of the enduring legacy of the nation’s founders and invited to join in a living tribute to freedom and unity.