Dia de Independencia September 16th

As one strolls the streets of Oaxaca, one views history.  Most streets are named for either important events (we live near Independencia) or important historical characters. One such street is 15 de Septiembre. It celebrates The Cry of Dolores. Who was crying and why?? If you want to know, you need only view a few more street names: Hidalgo, Allende,  Aldama and Abasolo. Miguel Hildago was a Roman Catholic priest disillusioned with Spanish rule. in the early morning of 16 September 1810. Around 2:30 a.m., Hidalgo ordered the church bells to be rung and gathered his congregation. Flanked by Ignacio Allende and Juan Aldama, he addressed the people in front of his church, urging them to revolt against Spanish rule. His speech became known as the "Cry of Dolores", and set Mexico on its path to independence.

As one continues through the town, more names appear: Rayon', Mina, Jose´ Morelos, and Iturbide-famous names involved in Mexico's independence. 

The yearly celebration of Independence Day begins at about 11 p.m. on September 15th. To kick off the events, the President of Mexico stands on the balcony of the National Palace in Mexico City and rings the same exact bell that Miguel Hidalgo rang in 1810,

September 16, 
The night of September 15th was celebrated with a firework show, the likes of which I have never seen.  The people of Mexico are not as sue-happy as us Americans and thus, safety is not a major concern.  The firework cannons are situated in the park surrounded by a rope which sits about 6" from the cannons.  People are allowed to stand as close as desired.  I stood about 20 feet away.  It was so exciting to see giant fireballs erupt from the cardboard cannons and observe the fireworks directly above my head, while I dance among the sparks of fire as they land about my feet. The church bells rang throughout the display and one of the fireworks landed in the bell tower.  The patriot ringing the bell was engulfed in smoke and had to kick the firework to the ground below.  The display took place in front of the church that was also draped with fireworks which were dripping fire.  All the fireworks were in the colors of red, green and white only.