Mexican Holiday in September: A Celebration of Culture and Tradition
September in Mexico is a month filled with vibrant colors, rich traditions, and festive celebrations. The country comes alive with a series of holidays that honor its history, culture, and the lives of its people. Here’s a glimpse into some of the most exciting Mexican holidays in September.
El Grito de Independencia
The most significant holiday in September is El Grito de Independencia, which commemorates the beginning of Mexico’s fight for independence from Spain. On September 15th, Mexicans gather in plazas across the country to listen to the President of Mexico recite the famous Grito, a call for independence that was first made in 1810 by Miguel Hidalgo y Costilla. The event is marked by fireworks, music, and the national anthem, and it’s a time for reflection on the country’s struggle for freedom.
La Fiesta de la Candelaria
La Fiesta de la Candelaria, also known as Candlemas, is celebrated on February 2nd, but it’s often observed in September in various regions of Mexico. This holiday honors the Presentation of Jesus in the Temple and the purification of Mary. It’s a time for families to gather, pray, and offer candles to the Virgin Mary. In some areas, the celebration includes parades with floats, costumes, and traditional dances.
El Día de la Raza
El Día de la Raza, or Columbus Day, is celebrated on October 12th, but in Mexico, it’s observed on September 16th. This holiday recognizes the arrival of Christopher Columbus in the Americas in 1492. While it’s a day of remembrance, it’s also a time for celebration and reflection on the diverse cultures that have contributed to Mexico’s rich heritage. Parades, music, and dancing are common during this festive occasion.
El Día de Muertos
El Día de Muertos, or Day of the Dead, is a two-day holiday that honors the deceased. It’s celebrated on November 1st and 2nd, but in some regions, it spills over into September. This holiday is a vibrant blend of pre-Hispanic and Catholic traditions, where families build altars in their homes, decorate them with marigolds, and offer food, drinks, and other offerings to the spirits of their loved ones. It’s a time for celebration and a reminder of the cyclical nature of life.
La Fiesta de la Virgen de Guadalupe
La Fiesta de la Virgen de Guadalupe is held on December 12th, but it’s also celebrated in September in various parts of Mexico. This holiday commemorates the apparition of the Virgin Mary to Juan Diego in 1531. It’s a time for pilgrimage to the Basilica of Our Lady of Guadalupe in Mexico City, where millions of people come to pay homage to the Virgin. The celebration includes processions, music, and the distribution of the Virgin’s image to the faithful.
September in Mexico is a time of deep cultural significance, with holidays that celebrate the country’s past, present, and future. Each festival offers a unique glimpse into the heart and soul of Mexico, a nation that is both diverse and united by its traditions and history.
