Mexico Rings in Independence Eve with Historic Grito at Zócalo

Lead: President Claudia Sheinbaum Pardo delivered the traditional Grito de Dolores from the National Palace balcony in Mexico City tonight, igniting fireworks and military honors as the nation marked the 215th anniversary of its independence.

Nut Graf: In a historic moment, Mexico’s first woman president led the Grito de Independencia ceremony on September 15, reaffirming national unity and pride through patriotic shouts, live music and a dazzling light show at the Zócalo.

Historic Cry Beneath the Stars

At approximately 11:00 p.m., Sheinbaum rang the original bell used by Miguel Hidalgo in 1810 before calling out the names of independence heroes and ending with three shouts of “¡Viva México!”. A full military honor guard stood at attention as the Mexican national anthem played, underscoring the solemnity of the occasion.

Nationwide Festivities

Communities across the country mirrored the capital’s fervor with local reenactments of the Grito, street parties and neighborhood fireworks displays. Major cities projected video mapping shows onto historic buildings, while smaller towns held traditional dances in town squares.

Cultural Traditions

Streets and public spaces were draped in green, white and red, with mariachi performances and folkloric ballet entertaining families. Food stalls offered tacos, tamales and antojitos, creating a festive atmosphere that carried late into the night as revelers prepared for Tuesday’s military parade.

What’s Next

On September 16, Mexico will observe the official holiday with a morning parade featuring the armed forces and civic groups, winding through the Historic Center to Campo Marte. The two days of celebration underscore a nationwide tribute to Mexico’s struggle for sovereignty and enduring cultural heritage.