Cecilia Barros Ruiz | Mexican independence – celebrating the spirit of Grito de Dolores

EVERY YEAR across the world the ‘Grito de Dolores’ is re-enacted on the eve of Mexico’s Independence Day. The CCXV Anniversary of the Independence of Mexico on September 16, is of the utmost value and importance for the Mexican people for its symbolic significance, as a demonstration of courage against the three centuries of Spanish colonial rule. El Grito “¡Viva México!” is echoed strongly by the diaspora and sounds the bell as a reminder of bravery to fight for freedom. The process of Independence led to revolutionary changes that lasted for decades, transforming the country’s political and social landscape.

Miguel Hidalgo y Costilla is a central figure in Mexican history, known as the ‘Father of the Nation’ and the initiator of the Mexican War of Independence on September 16, 1810, marking the beginning of the independence struggle. His call for social justice, and land redistribution inspired the Independence movement and continues to be commemorated today by forging the Mexican identity.

His successor José María Morelos y Pavón was a key player in the Mexican Independence movement, not only as a skilled military leader who led the insurgent forces to significant victories, but also as ‘El Siervo de la Nación’ (The Servant of the Nation), a visionary political leader.

One of the legacy of Morelos is the document ‘The Sentiments of the Nation’ ( Sentimientos de la Nación), dictated by this strategist, between November 26, 1812 and February 9, 1813, and drafted by Andrés Quintana Roo, to be read on September 14, 1813 during the opening of the Congress of Anáhuac in the city of Chilpancingo, Guerrero, proclaiming independence, equality, and popular sovereignty, as well as the abolishment of slavery, the separation of powers, setting forth principles of liberty and justice that continue to influence modern-day Mexico.

In the early stages of the Mexican Independence, Ignacio Allende, a political figure, played a crucial role in the battles of the insurgents. He joined the insurrection led by Ignacio López Rayón, who had succeeded Miguel Hidalgo. Allende’s collaboration with Miguel Hidalgo was essential for the early battles and the organisation of the army, although their alliance ended with Allende’s execution in 1811. Allende’s legacy is marked by his sacrifice, and his hometown, ‘San Miguel el Grande’, was renamed ‘San Miguel de Allende’ in his honour.

FEMALE LEADERS

The Independence movement in Mexico cannot be conceived without the intervention of female leaders that pave the way for political and social transformation of Mexico. Josefa Ortiz Téllez-Girón used her position as the wife of the governor of Querétaro to host secret meetings of independence-minded initiators, including those who planned the uprising of 1810.

On September 15, 1810, she managed to send a message to the insurgents, warning them that their plot had been discovered by the colonial authorities. This allowed Miguel Hidalgo to organise the “Cry of Dolores” and launch the war for independence. Although she was arrested and imprisoned, her unwavering commitment to the cause of Independence made her a leading figure in the struggle for Mexican sovereignty. The city of Querétaro bestowed upon her the title of ‘ Benemérita del Estado’, meaning ‘Meritorious Figure of the State’.

In addition, another female pioneer of the freedom, Leona Vicario set the stage for the Independence movement in Mexico, using her wealth to finance the rebellion and providing also information to the insurgents through her work as a journalist and as a member of the ‘ Los Guadalupes’. Further, she was a founding figure in the fight for gender equality, demonstrating that women could also feel patriotism and aspire to greatness, thus challenging the traditional gender roles of her time.

On the other hand, Agustín de Iturbide, the first Emperor of independent Mexico in 1822, remains an important leader as well, who played a key role in shaping the history of Mexico by unifying forces aimed to weaken the Spanish army through the Plan de Iguala, a project that sealed the Independence of Mexico from Spain by establishing the foundations for an independent government based on a constitutional monarchy. This political agreement marked a turning point, transforming the insurgent struggle into a political movement that ultimately led to the formation of the Mexican nation.

IMPORTANT FIGURE

Moreover, Vicente Guerrero should also be honoured, as an important figure after the consolidation of the Independence, since he abolished, as the second president of Mexico, slavery throughout the country on September 15, 1829, almost 40 years before US President Abraham Lincoln. This abolition, decreed through the ‘Guerrero Decree’, marked a crucial milestone in Mexican history, formally granting freedom to Afro-Mexicans and other oppressed populations.

The cultural value of Mexico’s Independence lies in its role as a unifying symbol of resilience, and heritage, fostering unity among Mexicans both domestically and abroad through traditions, celebrations, and patriotic reaffirmation of self-determination. It serves as a vibrant reminder of the sacrifices for liberty, a celebration of cultural traditions, and a source of national pride for people of all backgrounds within Mexico and in the diaspora.

The war of Independence is of paramount political importance because it led to the establishment of a sovereign nation laying the foundations for national identity and pride. This event led to significant challenges and the founding of the modern Mexican state. The Independence is therefore a symbol of freedom, of collective achievement, and a cornerstone of Mexican cultural identity

Cecilia Treemonisha Barros Ruiz is chargée d’affaires at the Embassy of Mexico to Jamaica. Send feedback to embajadamexjam@sre.gob.mx and editorial@gleanerjm.com