September is Mexico’s national month. It is also when the most Mexican food—spicy and colored like the national flag—green, white and red appears. And it is the time when vernacular music is heard loud and strong—sung and danced, it is part of the patriotic celebrations.
This year the month is particularly important because it marks the 200th anniversary of the end of the War of Independence, when Mexico gained its independence. The battle for independence began in the early morning of September 16, 1810, with the insurgents rising up against Spanish control over the Mexican territory. The war finally ended 11 years later, on September 27, 1821, when General Agustín de Iturbide, who had started out fighting for Spain, and Vicente Guerrero, the head of the insurgent army, declared independence. They decreed that Catholicism would be respected, that all classes would be united, and that the nation would become independent. It is this moment, which took place two centuries ago, that will be commemorated in September 2021.
As of August, the municipal government had decided that the events that mark the national celebration would take place—the Cry for Independence, the transfer of the flag, the symbolic fire, the reenactment of the liberation of prisoners, and the entrance of the Insurgents. However, only the responsible organizers and participants will be present. The events will be transmitted for the general public via Facebook in cross transmission with Atencion San Miguel.
September 10-15 program
Friday, Sept 10
5:30pm, Jardin Principal: Play reenacting the formation of the first independent city council of Mexico.
6pm, Jardin Principal: Ballet Folklórico of the University of Guanajuato, to celebrate the 200-year anniversary of the end of the War of Independence.
8pm, Parroquia: Video projection, “A history of an Independence” will be projected on the parish church of St Michael the Archangel.
Saturday, Sept 11 and Sunday, Sept 12
10am-8pm, Plaza Cívica: Festizarte, Madonnari Festival.
Mon, Sept 13
8am, Symbolic and Conspiracy foot race along the main streets of the city. It starts in the Jardin and ends in front of Plaza Principal 4.
11am, Parque Juarez: Civil Act
Tue, Sept 15
8am-3pm, Jardin Principal: Handing over of torches and liberty messages to representatives of rural communities and other cities.
1pm, Race of the National Symbols leaves Atotonilco, ends at the Jardin Principal.
On Tue, Sept 15, the following events will be broadcast on social media:
9pm, Reenactment of the liberation of prisoners, Plaza Principal 4.
10:15pm, Handing over of the Mexican flag to Interim Mayor Gonzalo González.
10:30 pm, Transfer of the flag to Casa de Allende.
11pm, Arrival of the torch from Querétaro, representing freedom.
11pm, Cry for Independence from the Casa de Allende balcony by Interim Mayor Gonzalo González.
11:20 pm, Video projection on the Parroquia, the parish church of St. Michael the Archangel.
11:25pm, Fireworks.
11:40pm, Festive Mexican performance, Jardín Principal.