Mexican Independence Day in the USA: Date, Meaning, and How It’s Celebrated Across States

When is Mexican Independence Day? Every year on 16 September, millions of people celebrate Mexico’s Independence Day (known as El Grito de Dolores). It marks the 1810 call by Father Miguel Hidalgo that launched the Mexican Revolution against Spain. 

While Independence Day in Mexico is the biggest national holiday, its celebrations in the United States have grown into one of the most vibrant cultural showcases of the year. From states like Chicago parades to Las Vegas boxing headliners like Canelo Álvarez.

Let us explore in this article how the Mexican Independence Day is celebrated in the U.S. Also, learn how it is connected to the history, culture, and migration of the Mexican population to the states. 

1. The United States Inspired Mexico’s Independence

The American Revolution (1776) provided a blueprint for Mexican revolutionaries like Miguel Hidalgo. He drew inspiration from the U.S. Declaration of Independence. There were ideas of liberty, self-rule, and resistance against colonial powers spread across Latin America, sparking the Mexican Independence movement.

Trivia Fact: The echoes of Philadelphia’s revolution were heard in Mexico, where copies of U.S. independence texts circulated secretly among intellectuals and priests.

2. Spanish Weakness and U.S. Expansion

In the early 1800s, Spain’s decline after Napoleon’s invasion gave both Mexico and the U.S. room to grow. When Mexico achieved independence in 1821, the United States was among the first nations to recognise it in 1822, setting the stage for neighbourhood diplomacy.

3. The Border Connection: Mexico & the U.S.

Independence also redrew North America’s map. After 1821, Mexico controlled lands that later became U.S. states, including:

Therefore, this border legacy influenced major events like the Texas Revolution and the Mexican-American War (1846–48). It also shows how independence in Mexico directly shaped U.S. territorial expansion. 

4. Mexican-American Contributions in the U.S.

There has been a significant Mexican migration to the U.S. since independence reshaped American culture. Today, Mexican-Americans proudly celebrate Mexican Independence Day in the U.S., blending dual identity with festive traditions.

Peak Celebrations Across the U.S.:

• Chicago, Illinois: Parades, street closures, and mariachi music (major media coverage).

• Los Angeles, California: Houses the largest Mexican-American population in the U.S., with iconic festivals.

• Houston, Texas: Fireworks, concerts, and rodeo-style tributes.

• Las Vegas, Nevada: Boxing superstar Canelo Álvarez headlines major fights every Independence weekend, adding global spotlight.

Mexican Independence Day vs. Cinco de Mayo

Many confuse Cinco de Mayo (5 May) with Mexico’s Independence Day (16 September).

• Cinco de Mayo celebrates Mexico’s victory over France at the Battle of Puebla in 1862.

• Mexican Independence Day honours the 1810 uprising against Spain.

Both are widely marked in the U.S., but September’s Independence Day carries more historical and cultural weight.

Conclusion

Today, Mexican Independence Day in the USA is celebrated widely by Mexican-Americans through parades, festivals, and cultural events. For many, it represents not only freedom but also the shared history, resilience, and enduring ties between Mexico and the United States.

Also Read: Chicago Air and Water Show 2025, Look How it was Celebrated! 

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