National Day of Mexico H.E. Mr. Bernardo Cordoba Tello Ambassador of Mexico to the Kingdom of Thailand

Each September, Mexico commemorates the anniversary of its independence. September 16th is the most important national celebration in the country, and on the night of September 15th, takes place a ceremony we call “The Cry of Independence” (El Grito de Independencia). 

The Cry of Independence, which took place close to the midnight on September 15th 1810, is one of the most important events in the history of our country, as it marks the beginning of the fight for Mexico to become an independent nation. 

The war of independence began when the priest Miguel Hidalgo y Costilla incited the town of Dolores to rise up in arms against the colonial rule, by summoning the townsfolk by ringing the bells of his parish and eloquently shouting the reasons why they all had to take up arms to fight for Mexico to become an independent country. That is why this historical event is known as “El Grito”.

To commemorate this important moment in our history, each year there is a ceremony led by the President of Mexico at the Zocalo (Main Square) in Mexico City. During the ceremony, the President reenacts the call made by Miguel Hidalgo, and rings a bell from the National Palace, while waving the Mexican flag and shouts the names of the most important heroes of the independence movement.

While the president mentions the name of each of hero, the people gathered at the Zocalo reply by enthusiastically shouting Viva!, Viva!, an expression that represents respect and admiration for the national heroes. At the end, it is customary to shout three times “Viva México!” as a symbol of hope for a better and more prosperous future, for the country and its people. 

While the main ceremony of “The Cry of Independence” is led by the president in Mexico City, similar ceremonies take place in every city, town and village in the country, and even at the Embassies and Consulates of Mexico overseas, where the Ambassadors and Consuls carry out “El Grito”, in honour of those who gave their life for the independence of our country. 

This year, Mexico commemorates the 212th anniversary of the start of its independence movement.

 Independence allows the states to exercise their sovereignty to make decisions to build their own future, to decide how to better advance their development and the wellbeing and security of their population. Independent countries establish ties of friendship with other nations to assert their presence in the international arena. 

In accordance to that practice, Mexico and Thailand formalised their long ties of friendship by establishing diplomatic relations on August 28th, 1975. Thus, this year marks the 47th anniversary of diplomatic relations between Mexico and Thailand, two countries whose ties of friendship have become closer and stronger through cultural, commercial and cooperation exchanges. Mexico recognises in Thailand an important friend and partner both bilaterally and regionally. 

Furthermore, in 2022 Thailand hosts APEC, a regional economic forum that brings together 21 economies from the Asia-Pacific region, where both our countries converge, providing the opportunity to join efforts to work together in projects of common interest. Enhancing and enriching our bonds of friendship for the prosperity and wellbeing of both our peoples.