Mexico Kicks Off 215th Independence Day Celebrations with Traditional Grito and Nationwide Festivities

President Sheinbaum Leads Historic Cry of “¡Viva México!” in Zócalo as Citizens and Communities Gather Across the Country

In Mexico City’s Zócalo on the night of September 15, President Claudia Sheinbaum Pardo delivered the traditional Grito de Dolores, invoking national heroes and shouting “¡Viva México!” three times to launch the 215th Independence Day celebrations. From bustling plazas to small towns, families and officials alike marked the start of a weekend of patriotic parades, fireworks and cultural events.

The annual Grito de Dolores ceremony commemorates Father Miguel Hidalgo’s 1810 call for revolt, uniting Mexicans in a shared moment of remembrance and pride. This year’s rendition held special significance as President Sheinbaum became the first woman to lead the cry from the National Palace balcony.

Nut Graf

Mexico’s Independence Day festivities span multiple days-beginning with the midnight Grito on September 15 and culminating in the national military parade on September 16-drawing crowds in every state to celebrate the nation’s heritage through music, dance, and fireworks.

Presidential Ceremony and Zócalo Festivities

  • At 11 p.m., President Sheinbaum rang the original bell Hidalgo used in 1810, recited the names of independence heroes and proclaimed: “¡Viva Hidalgo! ¡Viva Morelos! ¡Viva la Independencia!” before leading the triple shout of “¡Viva México!”.
  • A spectacular fireworks and light show illuminated the Zócalo following the Grito, with live mariachi performances and video mapping displays captivating over half a million spectators.

Local Parades, Concerts and Community Events

Municipal governments and community associations organized events ranging from charro parades and folklórico dance shows to open-air concerts by Grupo Frontera in Playa del Carmen and mariachi performances in Guadalajara.

  • Puerto Vallarta hosted its civic commemoration of the Battle of Chapultepec on September 13, followed by a mariachi concert on September 15 and a fireworks spectacle at midnight.
  • Brownsville, Texas, kicked off celebrations with a TacoRiendo 5K run and themed night parade under the banner “El Jardín de la Independencia,” featuring live music and coronation of Miss Diez y Seis de Septiembre.

Events Abroad Mark Solidarity and Community

In the United States, Mexican consulates and cultural groups held observances despite concerns over federal immigration enforcement.

  • In Phoenix, Mesa’s Pioneer Park hosted regional dances, a multicultural fair and community performances on September 13, organized by the Mexican consulate.
  • East Los Angeles proceeded with its parade under heightened security, naming astronaut José Hernández Grand Marshall amid discussions on local immigration raids.
  • In Chicago, the El Grito festival on September 13-14 was canceled over safety fears, though smaller parades in other neighborhoods went ahead.

Looking Ahead

Celebrations continue through September 16 with civic-military parades, more concerts and family-oriented events. Mexico’s bicentennial memory and vibrant traditions unite millions in a spirited commemoration of the nation’s journey to independence.