Mexican Independence Day, celebrated annually on September 16th, marks the beginning of Mexico’s war for independence from Spanish rule in 1810. The event is rich with cultural significance, vibrant traditions, and a considerable amount of patriotic fervour – marked both at home and by Mexican communities across the world. While London might be thousands of miles away from Mexico, the city’s multicultural spirit provides an excellent setting for embracing this celebration. Whether you’re a Mexican expatriate longing for a taste of home or a Londoner looking to experience another culture, here’s how you can celebrate Mexican Independence Day in the capital.
Join ‘El Grito’ at the Mexican Embassy
The annual Independence Day celebrations traditionally begin with ‘El Grito de Dolores’ (The Cry of Dolores), a reenactment of the call to arms by Father Miguel Hidalgo in 1810, which is pivotal to the holiday. In London, the Mexican Embassy, located in Mayfair, hosts an official ceremony each year. The Ambassador of Mexico steps onto a balcony to deliver the cry, replicating the same energy and patriotism as the original event in Mexico. This solemn yet stirring moment is accompanied by the Mexican flag waving proudly, followed by the national anthem and cheers of “¡Viva México!”
Arriving early to this event is advisable, as it attracts a sizable crowd of Mexicans and friends of Mexico alike, all eager to partake in this moment of national pride.
Immerse yourself in Mexican craftsmanship
This 12th, 13th and 14th September will see a vibrant Mexican Craft Market taking over Emma Cons Gardens in Waterloo, acting as an early celebration of Mexican Independence Day. With an eclectic array of Mexican artisans showcasing their wares, visitors can snap up everything from beautiful hand-made jewellery to colourful artworks and even fiery Mexican salsas, from a variety of independent traders including Mexikitsch, Malinalli Arts, Sweet Nibble, Mexican Mama and Peppermint Lola.
Nearby restaurant Wahaca will also be on hand to serve up delicious Mexican-inspired small plates – and hungry market visitors keen to try the restaurant’s wider menu can drop in to its Waterloo restaurant, which is conveniently situated adjacent to Emma Cons Gardens. And as a soundtrack to the market’s opening day, a traditional Mexican mariachi band will entertain visitors between 3pm and 4:30pm.
Enjoy authentic Mexican cuisine
No celebration is complete without indulging in the culinary delights that Mexico is famous for. London boasts a variety of excellent Mexican restaurants where you can feast on dishes like tacos al pastor, mole poblano, and chiles en nogada — the latter being a festive dish traditionally served during Mexican Independence celebrations.
Top spots include the aforementioned Wahaca, a much-loved Mexican-inspired restaurant serving delicious small plates and cocktails and with several locations across the capital including its latest opening in Paddington and a newly-refurbished spot in Canary Wharf. Mestizo on Hampstead Road, known for its authentic cuisine and lively atmosphere is another good option and often hosts special Independence Day menus and themed events. Alternatively, head to Santo Remedio near London Bridge for a modern take on Mexican dishes, paired with a decent selection of mezcal and tequila
Party time, Mexican style!
London’s nightlife scene is always buzzing, and Mexican Independence Day is a perfect excuse for a fun-filled fiesta. Numerous bars and clubs around the city host themed parties where you can dance the night away to all manner of Latin rhythms.
A top highlight this year is the Mexican Independence Night Fiesta at Mezcaleria Corrillo at El Pastor in Soho on Saturday 14th September from 21:00. There’ll be DJs playing cumbia, Mexican clasicos and more, plus a live Mariachi performance.
Explore iconic Mexican art
To round out your Mexican Independence Day celebration, take in an iconic and newly-unveiled piece of art by an acclaimed Mexican artist. Teresa Margolles’ commission for the Fourth Plinth at Trafalgar Square, ‘Mil Veces un Instante (A Thousand Times in an Instant)’, acts as a tribute to the trans and non-binary community in Margolles’s native Mexico, and as a powerful statement against transmisogyny and transfemicide. From September, white plaster casts, like death masks but made from the faces of 850 living trans people from both Mexico and around the world will be installed on all sides of the plinth. The arrangement takes the form of a tzompantli, a skull display rack that was used in a number of Mesoamerican civilisations.
A journey back in time can also be taken at the British Museum, which houses a gallery dedicated to showcasing the distinctive regional cultures that flourished in what is now Mexico from around 2000 BC until Spain’s 1521 conquest of the Aztec Empire. The room was created in collaboration with Mexican archaeologists and Olmec, Maya, Aztec and Mixtec cultures are among those represented within the space. The array of artworks and artefacts on display include painted ceramics, turquoise mosaics, gold filigree and jade figures.
Feature image by Jorge Aguilar on Unsplash
