Celebrating Mexican Independence

Mexico is the place to be in September, and especially, on the 16th when the entire country celebrates its freedom from Spanish rule. Mexican Independence Day is a fiesta-forward holiday that we at Pueblo Bonito commemorate with dignity, fine food, fireworks and live music. Read on to learn more about the history of the day and how each of our properties will be celebrating the holiday.

Often confused with Cinco de Mayo by people living in the United States, Mexico’s Independence Day actually marks the moment in 1810 when a Catholic priest, remembered and revered as Father Hidalgo, made the first cry for independence. After a moving speech in the Mexican town of Dolores, Father Hidalgo took up the banner of the Virgin of Guadalupe and rang the church bell tower. This makes the holiday an unusual case, perhaps, because it marks the beginning of the fight for independence—not its realization—and a surge of hopeful possibility for the Mexican
people. People of all ages were said to have followed Father Hidalgo into the streets, amassing an army that even included livestock. But the untrained, unruly mass wasn’t a match for the Spanish Inquisition. Hidalgo was beheaded and eventually replaced by another priest, José María Morelos, who sent home anyone from the first army without a weapon and horse. But even this more focused effort was defeated, sinking the struggle for independence into a period of chaos as Mexico continued to fight a weakening Spanish rule.

Finally, in 1821, 11 years after the fight for independence began, Agustín de Iturbide, a Spanish soldier who defected to become a leader in the Mexican independence movement, led troops into Mexico City. In a decisive victory, the Mexican army seized control of the city and declared the country’s independence. Iturbide became emperor of the new nation, but only until military leaders jockeyed for power, and a democratic republic was established whereby Guadalupe Victoria became Mexico’s first president.

Contrary to popular belief in America, Mexican Independence Day isn’t synonymous with Cinco de Mayo. The latter only came to the U.S. because immigrant communities brought it with them; Cinco de Mayo is not a national holiday in Mexico and is celebrated on a vastly different scale there than it is in the U.S. It commemorates the Mexico’s victory in the 1862 Battle of Puebla. A big reason why the holiday is so played up in the U.S. is because of corporate promotion from adult beverage companies.

The bigger celebration in Mexico, therefore, is September 16th, when Mexicans commemorate the first revolt. As per tradition, the current Mexican president honors the legacy of Father Hidalgo by performing a dramatization of the speech from the National Palace in Mexico City. That’s after having rung the same bell Hidalgo rang in 1810 at 11 pm the night before. The rest of the holiday is largely inspired by America’s own Independence Day festivities, with fireworks displays by night and flag-waving, parades, live music, and BBQs by day.

Pueblo Bonito will be flying its red, white, and green to celebrate, too. And we’d love if you came to celebrate with us. Six of our properties will be hosting a night of festivities on the evening before Independence Day, September 15th, for you and your families, each with unique offerings, all with unforgettable moments.

Pueblo Bonito Pacifica Golf & Spa Resort - Join us in the Whale Watching VIP Lounge beginning at 7 pm. Reserve your table setting for a delectable Mexican buffet, mixology offerings and a live mariachi band.

Pueblo Bonito Sunset Beach Golf & Spa Resort - Bring your family to experience La Nao’s Mexican buffet set to the rhythm of a live mariachi band. Festivities begin at 5 pm and end at 10:30.

Pueblo Bonito Emerald Bay Resort & Spa - Take a swing at a piñata as the fireworks go off at La Cordeliere. Enjoy a live guitarist during the Mexican buffet as part of the resort’s all-inclusive plan. Arrive at 6 pm and stay until 10.

Pueblo Bonito Montecristo Estates - Reserve a table for you and yours at Cíbola Restaurant where a four-course menu of Mexican favorites will be served along with a spirited side of live music. Dinner service will begin at 5:30 pm while music will begin at 7:30 pm.

Pueblo Bonito Rosé Resort & Spa - Enjoy a Mexican buffet at Mare Nostrum on Medano Beach. Live music will accompany the meal for a memorable evening with family between 5 and 10:30 pm. The festivities are part of the resort’s all-inclusive plan.

Pueblo Bonito Mazatlán Beach Resort - Watch the fireworks, swing at a piñata, and dance along to the mobile disco in Mazatlán. Los Palomas will be serving a Mexican buffet to accompany all events that are scheduled between 6 and 10 pm. Children are welcome.

To make a reservation at these or any of the Pueblo Bonito properties, and to participate in the celebration of Mexican Independence, visit our website or call 1-800-990-8250. We can’t wait to host you so you can witness history in the making.