Despite most people’s misunderstanding, Cinco de Mayo commemorates a Mexican victory over French forces in Puebla — not Mexico’s independence from Spain, which is celebrated on September 16.
Independence Day is one of Mexico’s biggest and most-proud-to-be-Mexican of holidays.
Celebrating the 1821 independence of Mexico from Spanish rule, Ajijic’s fiestas patrias can last for up to a week, encompassing the Regata de Globos the weekend before, plus events on days before and after the September 16 holiday.
HIGHLIGHT: EL GRITO
Be sure to visit the Ajijic plaza after 10 p.m. on September 15 for the recital of El Grito de Dolores by the town’s delegado (the closest thing to a mayor that the town has).
This recital occurs all over Mexico at the same time on Independence Day Eve: delegados, mayors and even the president reciting the famous battle cry that Hidalgo gave in 1810, which stirred the people into battle and eventually led to the independence of a nation.
It’s short (you’ll end up waiting a lot longer for it start than it actually takes to recite), but sweet, and an important part of Mexico’s history.
2019 INDEPENDENCE DAY INFO
The Independence Day celebrations in Ajijic last around a week and incorporate the Regata de Globos.
The full schedule for 2019 is below:
SEPTEMBER 16 PARADE ROUTE
The Independence Day parade always starts at 10 a.m. on the street Constitución, near where the bottom of the weekly tianguis (market day) is held. It ends about an hour later at the plaza.
After the parade, the fiesta continues at the plaza and at the malecón. Check out the traditional combate de flores at 6 p.m. in the plaza, which is a flower/confetti fight. There will also be lots of traditional foods and beverages being sold by families all evening until they’re sold out.
The 16th of September would be a good night to go to the plaza for dinner to get some enchiladas, sopes, pozole or other Mexican foods.
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I moved to Ajijic in 2010 when I decided to quit my job of seven years as an editorial assistant at The Denver Post in Colorado. I’m the photographer, web designer, programmer, marketer, writer… the everything behind this website, The Lakeside Guide. All of the businesses on this website appear here for free at no cost to them. If you find this site useful, please consider giving a small donation to become a site patron. Learn more about The Lakeside Guide or check out my other website about photography of Mexico.
Source: lakesideguide.mx
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