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“El Grito” day: the biggest celebration in Mexico

A country as culturally rich as Mexico boasts a wide variety of commemorative days. However, there is none as special as the Día del Grito de Independencia (or Cry of Independence Day), a celebration that takes place on 15 and 16 September. Do you want to learn more about this iconic day? Join us!

Riu Caribe.

What is celebrated on 15 and 16 September in Mexico?

In the early hours of the morning between 15 and 16 September, 1810, in Dolores, a town located in the state of Guanajuato, the priest Miguel Hidalgo called on the Mexican people to take up arms. This historic event marked the start of the War of Independence, which resulted in the Aztec country gaining political autonomy.

Every year since then, the Grito de Dolores (another of the names for this day) has been a cause for celebration and commemoration throughout the Republic. In Mexico City, the country’s capital, citizens flock to the Zócalo esplanade in the National Palace to witness the ceremony led by the president of the Republic. Each state enjoys its own distinctive atmosphere, although the fireworks, music and crowded streets are always a sight to behold.

Riu Playacar.

How is El Grito celebrated at RIU?

Mexico is RIU Hotels & Resorts‘ most important international destination, with a total of 22 hotels. That is why we always say proudly that a large part of RIU is Mexican. And, of course, our hotels get decked out for the occasion, showing off their finery and decorating their common areas in red, green and white to celebrate El Grito in style.

All of them feature themed buffets decorated in the colours of the national flag. Guests have the opportunity to visit several food stalls to delight their palates with typical Mexican dishes such as pozole (a broth made of corn kernels, chilli and meat), enchiladas, and the famous Mexican sweets.

Mexico has always been a source of inspiration for RIU, providing many new ideas and concepts that have been transferred to other destinations with notable success. These include the delicious Mexican cocktails, which is why they are a must at this party! Although the predominant liquors of the evening are, of course, tequila and mezcal.

The little ones are also able to enjoy activities exclusively for them, including various games in Riuland and piñatas filled with sweets and confetti.

The evening is spiced up by various traditional dances, with mariachis acting as the masters of ceremony. Visitors are able to enjoy spectacular traditional choreography, bright and elegant traditional costumes, and dances with indigenous influences, intrinsic to the Mexican culture.

Now you know, mark this day in red in your calendar so you can enjoy these and many more surprises with us on this special day. Viva Mexico!