Viva Mexico! Celebrating Mexican Independence Day in Los Cabos

September is the hottest month in Los Cabos, and traditionally the heart of the cape cities’ low tourism

Cozumel, Mexico

season. The idea of “high” and “low” seasons has started to wane over the past few years due to rapid regional growth, increased international flights and a more consistent year-round flow of visitors. But some months are still better than others, and the busiest months tend to be when the largest and most representative local events are held.

Of the many food and wine festivals, arts fairs, fishing tournaments, and other signature fiestas held annually in Los Cabos, it is telling that none are held in September. October, on the other hand–the traditional start of high season–sees Sammy Hagar’s birthday bashes, four major fishing tournaments (including the world’s richest, Bisbee’s Black & Blue), and a weeklong culinary festival in San Jose del Cabo.

What a difference a month makes!

But hot and slow as it is, September does bring one headline event, a national holiday celebrated passionately across Mexico. So if you’re visiting Cabo San Lucas or San Jose del Cabo this month, keep an eye out for all the fireworks and festivities surrounding El Dia de la Independencia, or Independence Day. Officially, it’s honored on September 16, but the proclamations and partying begin the night before…and keep right on going.

Many U.S. visitors confuse Cinco de Mayo with Independence Day, but the two are markedly different, not only in terms of where they fall on the calendar, but in what they represent and mean to average citizens.

Cinco de Mayo recalls the heroic victory of the Mexican Army over occupying French forces at the Battle of Puebla on May 5, 1862. Despite its Mexican roots, the holiday was largely popularized on the U.S. West Coast. In Mexico, celebrations of Cinco de Mayo are few and far between, although bars in tourist areas like Los Cabos will dutifully offer a few “holiday specials” aimed at gringo revelers.

Independence Day, by contrast, is the major patriotic holiday, the Mexican equivalent of the 4th of July. The date itself honors what is now known as the Grito de Dolores, essentially a call to arms uttered by a priest named Miguel Hidalgo on the evening of September 15, and again the following morning in the year 1810.

By that time, Spain had been in control of Mexico for over 280 years…and since the day Hernan Cortez and his conquistadors toppled the island capital of Tenochtitlan in 1521, Spaniards had ruthlessly exploited the country for its abundant natural resources.

For a little more context…the year of Hidalgo’s immortal call to arms, 1810, coincided with the imperial reign of Napoleon, whose European wars and intrigues often produced far-reaching upheavals. For instance, French troops first occupied Spain in 1808, and soon afterwards Napoleon installed his brother as puppet ruler…a move that destabilized colonial governments throughout Latin America, and led directly to the independence movements spearheaded by Simon Bolivar and others.

Miguel Hidalgo was, in a sense, the Bolivar of Mexico, although his leadership in the rebellion that became the War of Mexican Independence was tragically short lived. Despite some early victories by his insurgent army, six months after his stirring grito–delivered in the small town of Dolores (now Dolores Hidalgo)–he was captured. Soon after that, he was executed. But the fight continued, and by 1821 Mexico had finally earned its freedom.

Thus, like Independence Day in the U.S., Independence Day in Mexico celebrates not the actual achievement of independence, but rather the symbolic birth of a new nation through the assertion of self-rule.

Contemporary celebrations of Independence Day in Mexico begin ceremoniously, with public officials–from the president to small town mayors–reenacting the grito at 11 p.m. on September 15. This reenactment always concludes with the same phrase, repeated three times: ¡Viva Mexico! ¡Viva Mexico! ¡Viva Mexico! There is then a symbolic bell ringing, followed by live music, traditional food and drink, and festive fireworks celebrations. The party is on!

Cape cities Cabo San Lucas and San Jose del Cabo each have their grito reenactments, with large parades the next morning, on September 16th. September visitors to Los Cabos in search of activities and entertainment are encouraged to seek out both, as they offer interesting glimpses of authentic Mexican culture.

For those whose interests run more to cervezas and margaritas, rest assured that virtually every local bar and restaurant offers some sort of patriotically themed drink special.

Just remember to raise your glass for a toast. ¡Viva Los Cabos! and ¡Viva Mexico!

by Chris Sands

• Chris Sands is co-founder of CaboVivo, co-writer of Fodor’s Los Cabos travel guidebook, Editor at Baja.Ca, and a contributor to Forbes and USA Today, as well as other websites and publications. 

 For more information about events, activities and villa rentals in Los Cabos, call us TOLL FREE at 1-888-655-4548, visit www.LosCabosVillas.com, or email us at Info@LosCabosVillas.com.

Photo courtesy of Virginiambe and Wikimedia Commons.

Upcoming Event Calendar

September

Día de la Independencia (Independence Day) – Sep. 16

October

Sammy Hagar Birthday Bashes at Cabo Wabo Cantina – Oct. 9, 11, 13

San Jose del Cabo Restaurant Week – Oct. 13 – 20

Los Cabos Billfish Tournament – Oct. 14 – 18

Bisbee’s Los Cabos Offshore Fishing Tournament – Oct. 18 – 21

Bisbee’s Black & Blue Fishing Tournament – Oct. 23 – 27

25th Baja Ha-Ha Cruisers Rally – Oct. 28 – Nov. 10

Día de Muertos (Day of the Dead) – Oct. 31 – Nov. 2

November

Día de Muertos (Day of the Dead) – Oct. 31 – Nov. 2

Art Walk in San Jose del Cabo – Nov. 1, 8, 15, 22, 29

Life Luxe Jazz Experience at Pueblo Bonito Pacifica – Nov. 1 – 4

IRONMAN 70.3 Latin American Tri Club Championship – Nov. 4

Adidas Golf Invitational at Cabo del Sol – Nov. 6 – 11

WON Tuna Jackpot – Nov. 7 – 10

SCORE Baja 1000 – Nov. 14 – 18

Día de la Revolución (Revolution Day) – Nov. 20

Día de Acción de Gracias (Thanksgiving) – Nov. 22

 December

Art Walk in San Jose del Cabo – Dec. 6, 13, 20, 27

Virgin of Guadalupe Feast Day – Dec. 12

Nochebuena (Christmas Eve) – Dec. 24

Navidad (Christmas) – Dec. 25

Nochevieja (New Year’s Eve) – Dec. 31

January 2019

Día de los Tres Reyes Magos – Jan. 6

Los Cabos Pro-Am at Cabo del Sol – Jan. 14 – 18

February

Día del Amor y la Amistad (Valentine’s Day) – Feb. 14

March

Cabo Collegiate at Querencia – March 3 – 5