Viva Mexico - Long Live Mexico

The President of Mexico pulling on the rope to ring the original bell  in Mexico City


 Miguel Hidalgo, the priest who rang the bell in 1810 and began the war against Spain.

Viva Mexico (Long Live Mexico) is shouted in the streets, in houses, in the town squares, basically everywhere there are people in Mexico.  It is officially called "El Grito" and takes place at 11:00 p.m. every September 15.  It literally rings in Independence Day which is September 16.  On the evening of September 15 thousands of people gather in the town square and wait until 11:00 p.m. when the president of the country (in Mexico City) or the governor (in state capitals-like Oaxaca) or mayor (in cities and towns) rings a bell that is the replica of the bell that Miguel Hidalgo rang.  This is what started the war of Independence from Spain in 1810.

As the bell tolls, the crowds shout:

Mexicans!

Long Live the Heroes that gave us our Fatherland!

Long Live Hidalgo!

Long Live Morelos!

Long Live Josefa Ortiz de Dominguez!

Long Live Allende!

Long Live Aldama and Matamoros!

Long Live National Independence!

Long Live the Independence Bicentennial!

Long Live the Centennial of the Revolution!

Long Live Mexico!

Long Live Mexico!

Long Live Mexico!

Then the fireworks, confetti and festivities begin.  People also have parties called Noche Mexicana where traditional food is served and people dress up in as War of Independence heros.  The following day there are parades all over the city and most school children march in these parades.