The War of Independence began with an armed insurgence in 1810 and culminated 11 years later with Mexico declaring independence from Spain, which had ruled the country since the early 16th century after handily defeating the Aztecs.

On September 15, the eve of Independence Day, Mexico’s president delivers El Grito de Dolores (The Cry of Dolores) from the Palacio Nacional’s balcony, which entails a spirited ‘Viva México’ (Long Live Mexico) shout to commemorate the historic occasion when Mexico became a sovereign nation. Large crowds celebrate in the Zócalo, along the tree-lined Avenida Paseo de la Reforma and at the iconic Ángel de la Independencia monument, which was built to honor Mexico’s heroes of the independence.