About Mexican Independence Day
Mexican Independence Day falls on September 16, but the party begins the night before: at 11 PM on September 15, the President rings the bell of the National Palace and delivers El Grito de Dolores — the cry of independence first raised by Father Hidalgo in 1810 — to a packed Zócalo answering "¡Viva México!"
September 16 itself brings the military parade through Mexico City and celebrations in every plaza in the country: mariachi, pozole and chiles en nogada, fireworks, and green-white-red everywhere. (And no — Cinco de Mayo is not Mexico's independence day; this is the real one.)
The date never moves: El Grito is sounded on the night of September 15 and the holiday itself is September 16 every year, marking the start of the 1810 War of Independence from Spain. Because it is a fixed date, the countdown above rolls straight on to next year once it passes — add it to your own page, or explore more national-day countdowns from across the Americas.
Upcoming dates
| 2026 | Wednesday, September 16, 2026next |
| 2027 | Thursday, September 16, 2027 |
| 2028 | Saturday, September 16, 2028 |
| 2029 | Sunday, September 16, 2029 |
| 2030 | Monday, September 16, 2030 |
FAQ
When is Mexican Independence Day?
September 16 — with the famous Grito ceremony on the night of September 15.
Why is Mexican Independence Day celebrated?
It commemorates the start of Mexico's war of independence from Spain in 1810, when Father Miguel Hidalgo rallied the people with the Grito de Dolores.
How is Mexican Independence Day celebrated?
With the President's Grito ceremony on September 15 night, packed plazas answering "¡Viva México!", fireworks, a military parade on September 16, and festive food, mariachi and patriotic colours.
What is El Grito?
The reenactment of Father Hidalgo's 1810 call to rebellion — delivered by the President from the National Palace balcony every September 15 night.
Is Cinco de Mayo Mexico's independence day?
No — Cinco de Mayo marks the 1862 Battle of Puebla. Independence Day is September 16.