Cinco de Mayo!

Although many think this is "Mexican Independence Day" Cinco de Mayo is actually an American holiday. That country's true Independence Day is on September 16th celebrating Mexico's revolt against Spain.

In 1810, Mexico, with a little influence from the US and France, began talking about a revolt against Spain. Father Miguel Hidalgo from Dolores, Mexico, was a leader of one of the rallying groups. Word of the plot led the Spanish Government to order the arrest of Hidalgo and his officers. When Hidalgo found out, he rang the church bells on the night of September 15 to call his congregation to mass. That night he gave the speech now known as 'Grito de Delores', saying "Viva Mexico" and "Viva la independencia!" These famous words have been remembered and are said each year at the Independence Day celebrations.

Everyone fought together, including the Criollos (wealthy Mexicans of Spanish descent), Mestizos (children born from the marriage of a Spaniard and an Indian), and Indians. Armed with clubs, knives, stone slings, and ancient guns, they fought as they marched to Mexico City. A battle took place in Guanajuato between the Spanish soldiers and Hidalgo's followers. The army sacked the town, killing the Spaniards. They continued to fight on their way to the capital. When they finally reached Mexico City, the army hesitated and before the year was over Father Hidalgo was captured and executed. Some people continued to fight for the cause and Father Hidalgo's Grito de Delores (Cry of Delores) became the battle cry of the Mexican War of Independence which would last eleven years before the people won their freedom.