September is “El Mes de la Patria”: the month of the homeland. It is a month-long celebration here in Mexico of our independence from Spain. Our forefathers battled for 11 years from the eve of September 15, 1810 to September, 1821 to gain our official freedom, and we are proud of that! In the USA, Hispanic Heritage Month 2021 is celebrated from September 15 – October 15. Although that month-long celebration begins September 15, the first Latin American country to wage war from independence was actually Ecuador- on August 10, 1809. Colombia followed suit on July 10, 1810, and Mexico followed on the eve of September 16, 1810, with Chile began their independence war cry on September 18, 1810.
Besides the close relationship between the USA and Mexico, the choice of dates for Hispanic heritage month has a lot to do with the independence anniversaries of our Latino neighbors, south of our borders. September 15 is the anniversary of independence for Costa Rica, El Salvador, Guatemala, Honduras and Nicaragua in 1821; they were granted independence from Spain when Mexico won their independence war against Spain. While other Latin American countries would gain their independence from Spain (and Portugal) in other months during those years, Belize was the last to gain their independence on September 21, 1981 (from the UK).
Sept. 2: World Coconut Day- while this isn’t a well-known holiday in Ixtapa-Zihuatanejo, it should be! Although coconuts are originally from southeast Asia and not indigenous to the Americas, they have become synonymous with tropical life here, and we have plenty of that (coconuts and tropical life!). Let us take you to the nearby Museo de Coco to celebrate! Celebrate with some fresh coconut water and don’t forget to try coconut shrimp- a local favorite!
Sept. 13: Niños Heroes Day- Every nation has its heroes. On this day, we celebrate 6 of our national heroes, who happened to be boys. They were military cadets during the Mexican-American War; they were defending Chapultepec Castle. Rather than surrender, they gave their lives. Legend has it that one of them wrapped himself in the Mexican flag and threw himself over the castle wall. All 6 were just teenagers. Our Niños Heroes.
Sept. 15: El Grito de la Independencia Mexicana: The Freedom Cry for Independence- Father Miguel Hidalgo had the honor of the official freedom cry/call to arms. He was the Padre de la Patria- the Father of our Mexican homeland, or patriotism. Born into a family of wealth, he was highly educated and entered into the Catholic priesthood. He questioned the ethics of the Spanish crown as well as the Church, and had a heart for the voiceless poor. He despised how they were treated, and had had enough. On the eve of September 16, 1810- Father Miguel Hidalgo rang the church bells and gave the famous cry for independence that called out to the masses to follow him in the rebellion, initiating the war for independence in 1810.
Sept. 16: Día de la Independencia Mexicana! Mexican Independence Day- While we all celebrate on Independence Day Eve, this is the official holiday! Woohoo! Viva Mexico!
Sept. 21: International Day of Peace- Did you know that we have more than one Peace Pole in Ixtapa-Zihuatanejo? The organizations Amigos de la Paz (friends for peace) and May Peace Prevail On Earth International, associated with WorldPeace.org, has been part of the world effort to promote peace and plant peace poles here; you will find one near the foot bridge behind the archaeological museum in Zihuatanejo, and the other in Ixtapa between parking lots for Plaza Ixpamar and Los Patios. Some hotels also have smaller peace poles within; ask to see them! This year’s local celebration program is “Beats for Peace”. For details, see Amigos de la Paz Facebook page.
