Independence Day - Mexican

Hello! I am Mexican Independence Day. I am a very special and important day for the people of Mexico. I am the day when they celebrate their country becoming free. A long, long time ago, a country called Spain was in charge of Mexico. But a very brave priest named Miguel Hidalgo y Costilla wanted the people of Mexico to be in charge of their own country. He made a famous and powerful call for everyone to fight for freedom. This important call is remembered as the 'Grito de Dolores'.

When people celebrate me, they have big, happy parties called fiestas. There are wonderful parades with exciting music and joyful dancing in the streets. People love to decorate for me. They put up decorations on their homes, in their schools, and all over the town squares. They use the special colors of the Mexican flag: green, white, and red. It is so colorful everywhere! At night, everyone looks up at the sky. They watch bright, colorful fireworks pop and sparkle in the darkness. The loud sounds and bright lights are part of the fun celebration.

The most exciting part of my celebration happens the night before I arrive, on September 15th. This is a very important moment that many people watch together. The President of Mexico rings a special, big bell for everyone to hear. Then, the President repeats the words of the 'Grito,' just like Miguel Hidalgo y Costilla did long ago. Families gather all around to watch this on TV or in the town square. They shout along with lots of joy. Together, they all shout, '¡Viva México!' Do you know what that means? It means 'Long live Mexico!' It is a happy way for everyone to show love for their country.