Mexico Independence Day also known as 'Día de la Independencia' or 'Grito de Dolores', commemorates the the Independence against Spain on September 16, 1810.
It specifically honours Father Miguel Hidalgo y Costilla's proclamation on September 16, 1810, in the town of Dolores, near Guanajuato.
Hidalgo's declaration called for the end of Spanish sovereignty in Mexico, advocating revolt and insurrection against the Spanish.
Napoleon's invasion of Spain had ended the Spanish Empire, and "juntas" had supplanted imperial power in both Spain and the American colonies, while Napoleon held King Fernando VII hostage.
In the Proclamation of Dolores, Hidalgo rang the church bell to summon his congregation, declared an uprising, and closed with the words, "Viva la Virgen de Guadalupe!" Viva Fernando VII! Below the bad government! [Long live Our Lady of Guadalupe!] Long live Ferdinand VII! [Down with the wicked government!].
There are several versions of what Hidalgo allegedly stated. While the proclamation has attracted national attention, it is doubtful that Hidalgo renounced the King as said.
Following his speech, Father Hidalgo recruited an army and sought to topple the Junta government, but was ultimately defeated. As his campaign against the establishment proceeded, he began to seek the complete independence of the Spanish American colonies, as well as the exile or imprisonment of all Spaniards in Mexico.
On September 27, 1821, the Spanish viceroy formally recognised Mexico's independence after a ten-year war.
In 1825, the Republic of Mexico designated September 16th to be its national Independence Day.
Cinco de Mayo is sometimes mistaken with Mexican Independence Day, but it really celebrates a battle with France in 1862.
