Many folks mistakenly believe that Cinco de Mayo is the day that Mexico celebrates its independence from Spain. The truth of the matter is that the people of Mexico really consider September 16, 1810, the day that independence was declared by populist favorite Father Miguel Hidalgo, to be their independence day. In fact, September 16th is a national holiday.

Father Hidalgo had been organizing the citizenry for a revolt against the Spanish when they got news of his plans. In response, they issued an order for his arrest. When he heard about this order, he called his church congregation together and made his soon-to-be-famous declaration.

Because Hidalgo is from Dolores, Mexico, the declaration bears the name “The Cry of Dolores (“El Grito de Dolores”). Loosely translated, Hidalgo’s words mean “Mexico lives!” (“¡Viva México!”) and “Independence lives!” (“¡Viva la independencia!”). Some even refer them simply as “El grito” ("the cry," "scream"). These famous words he said have been memorialized in the collective memories of generations of Mexicans and are proclaimed each year at Independence Day celebrations.

Approximately a year after his rallying cry, Hidalgo was executed by the Spanish, but not before he had a chance to be a powerful unifying force for the Mexican people. Long after his death the people he had inspired continued to fight for their independence from Spain. They continued to fight for the cause of freedom using Father Hidalgo's Grito de Delores as the battle cry of the Mexican War of Independence. The people fought for eleven years before finally winning their independence from Spain in 1821.

[EDITOR’S NOTE: Want to learn more about the world or history? Check out our Incredible Tutor™ Social Studies titles for TAKS and general test prep!]