The #1 Way to Celebrate Mexican Independence Day in Playa del Carmen

Magazine_by_Maya_Luxe_Lifestyle_Riviera_Maya_Events_What_to_do_Playa_del_Carmen_Mexican_Independance_Day_Cover-2.jpg

Written by Dena DaSilva

Día de la Independencia (Independence Day) is a major Mexican holiday celebrating the “cry of independence” that started a rebellion against the Spaniards when Miguel Hidalgo, a Roman Catholic priest, rang the church bell in the small town of Dolores (now known as Dolores Hidalgo in his honor) to motivate the people into action to gain independence from the crown.

Hidalgo’s famous cry for independence (El Grito de Dolores) happened in the early hours of September 16, 1810. This is why the festivities start the night before on September 15th, known as the Day of the Shout of Dolores, and culminates at midnight with the traditional shout or “el grito.” You’ll hear a lot of ¡Viva Hidalgo! and ¡Viva Mexico! throughout this night in celebration of Mexico’s independence from Spain which ultimately happened in 1821, thanks to Hidalgo's efforts.

Many of the locals and families around town spend this national holiday at house parties, neighborhood bars or just hopping around from place to place. But the biggest gathering —and we think by far the best option —happens in the local town square (el zócalo) where a major gathering of sometimes thousands takes place in the celebration of Independence.

If you’re in Playa today, here’s more on how to join this big celebration of Mexican Independence called Grito de Independencia. It’s held in La Plaza Cívica, Playa’s town square (el zócalo), which is in front of the City Hall building (Palacio Municipal) between 8th and 10th Streets and between 15th and 25th Avenues, and it’s always the grandest celebration. It generally starts in the afternoon and will go on into the next day. There are stands selling flags, hats, noise makers, and all things patriotic i.e. red, green, and white (the colors of the Mexican flag) for this occasion. Thousands from Playa attend this amazing festivity which includes live music and mariachi performances, traditional Mexican food and sweets, drinks and refreshments —including cerveza of course— and more.

The fireworks show usually starts around 11 pm and the party in the square all leads up to “the shout” (el grito) at midnight and often continues into the next day!

Click here for more information on this event.

Enjoy…stay safe and ... ¡Viva Mexico!

CommunityGuest UserPlaya del Carmen, Events, What to Do in Playa, Mexican Independence Day, Independencia de Mexico, Dolores Hidalgo, El Grito de Dolores, Day of the Shout of Dolores, Viva Hidalgo, Viva Mexico, Spain, Mexico, IndependenceComment