On September 16, 1810, a Roman Catholic priest named Miguel Hildago Costilla whose parish was in the town of Dolores, Mexico, rang his church bell and called for Mexicans to rise up and fight for their independence from 300 years of Spanish rule.
Spanish authorities arrested Costilla for triggering the rebellion and executed him by firing squad a year later. September 16 became known as “El Grito de Dolores,” or “The Cry of Dolores,” and Costilla would become known as “the father of the revolution.” The war would last 11 years before Mexico gained its independence in September 1821.
Today, Mexicans all over the world celebrate the event with speeches, parades, and lavish festivities. At LFNTES, students and staff celebrated the day by wearing authentic Mexican clothing and gear to honor their Mexican heritage.
LFNTES students and staff celebrate Mexican Independence Day in traditional and contemporary clothing.
Brother and sister Matias and Keyla Barragnan-Sotelo show off their stylish authentic Mexican attire.
LFNTES ELL Assistant Maria Ramos helped the elementary school celebrate Mexico’s Independence Day.
Maria Ramos, an English Language Learner Assistant-Aide, was born in California. When she was two years old, her family moved to Michoacan, Mexico, where they lived until she was 16. They then returned to the United States and settled in Richmond, California. She said celebrating other cultures gives all people a chance to understand each other.
“It’s important to teach people why we are celebrating Mexico’s independence from Spain,” she said. “It’s not just about the music and food—it's also about our culture.”
To enhance the significance of the day, LFNTES Literacy Coach Diane Anderson organized a teacher luncheon that featured some of the rich and varied cuisines of Mexico.
“I created a Sunshine Club for the staff to celebrate occasions like this,” Anderson said. “We work hard, and this encourages the staff to come together. We all pitched in and we had some authentic Mexican food and desserts. It’s really nice.”
