If you haven´t been in Riviera Maya during the month of September, there is a good chance that you don´t know this is one of the best months to visit. Mexicans are used to celebrate anything and we basically come up with an excuse to party every month. Day of the Death, Christmas, Valentine´s Day, Mother´s Day and Independence Day are on our top list of celebrations. No matter if you come from another country, on Mexican Independence Day you are another brother or sister to us and you are requested to join the celebration. If you happen to be in the area and are unsure of the traditions during this festivity, brace yourself because we are about to explain what the whole celebration is about.
One Of The Most Important Celebrations In Mexico
We celebrate for anything and at any given time so there is no surprise Mexican Independence Day celebration is huge nationally. Government invest a lot more money in this celebration than the rest of the events during the year. This is the day we are proud of being Mexicans the most, we combine every tradition there is in the book and we are at our highest level of happiness. The entire country celebrates, the style in each State might be a little different but they usually celebrate the same way. Traditional costumes that represent each Mexican state, colorful jewelry, dancing everywhere and of course Tequila, lots of Tequila to celebrate. The actual date is September 16th but Mexicans we start the celebration earlier, since September 1st you will start seeing the Mexican decorations and get special deals on Tequila and traditional costumes purchases.
El Grito Celebration At Municipality Parks
The main celebration happens on September 15th of every year. Locals attend to the main municipality parks of each town where they will enjoy of a massive party. Free live music, dancing and fireworks are the main attraction but of course there is a lot more. Every food vendor in the area will reunite this night to offer the most exquisite and traditional snacks and meals. Cancun, Playa del Carmen and Tulum will have major events during Independence Day on September 15th at their municipality parks. Fireworks all over the town and the best part is that these events are the perfect excuse to practice your Spanish because are full of locals which is perfect to make some new friends and learn more about Mexican traditions. The party starts around 8:00pm at the parks and you will have to shout: “Viva!” after the municipality president name the national heroes. After a brief speech to thank the National heroes that fought for our country, the celebration and the real party starts. It will end around midnight but after that local bars and restaurants welcome everybody to continue the party.
Mexico´s Independence Day At Local Bars And Restaurants
Local restaurants normally serve Pozole and Mole on this day as part of the celebration and we highly recommend you to try it. Pozole is more like a corn stew with vegetables and pork, served with chopped lettuce, tortilla chips and other condiments. Mole is the traditional dish and it is made with chocolate and spice chiles (we recommend you to taste it before asking for a plate). Restaurants are not the only ones celebrating Mexico´s Independence Day, bars also have their own way to celebrate on September 15th. Tequila is a must and sometimes Mezcal and all the alcoholic Mexican drinks like; margaritas, cucaracha shots and more. If you arrive earlier you might be part of special promotions or even a drinking contest. We know Caiman Bar in Playa del Carmen on 5th Avenue will throw a party with piñatas, Gitano restaurant in Tulum will have dinner and dancing and Ziggy´s beach club in Tulum is organizing a special dinner and drinks on September 15th and 16th. But if you are near Playa del Carmen or Tulum we highly suggest you to join the municipality park for “El grito” which is the celebration for Mexican Independence Day. You can also send us an e-mail to request last minute transportation to any of the places mentioned above. This celebration should be not miss if you are currently visiting Mexico and the Riviera Maya.