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Construction of Historical Memory of Independence, & Today’s Celebrations

In 1910, as part of the celebrations marking the centennial of the Hidalgo revolt of 1810, President Porfirio Díaz inaugurated the monument to Mexico's political separation from Spain, the Angel of Independence on Paseo de la Reforma. The creation of this architectural monument is part of the long process of the construction of historical memory of the Mexican independence movement.

Although Mexico gained its independence in September 1821, the marking of this historical event did not take place immediately. The choice of date to celebrate was problematic, because Iturbide, who achieved independence from Spain, was rapidly created emperor of Mexico. His short-lived reign from 1821–1822, ended when he was forced to renounce his throne by the military. This was a tumultuous start for the new nation, which made celebrating independence on the anniversary of Iturbide's Army of the Three Guarantees marching into Mexico City in triumph a less than perfect day for those who had opposed him. Celebrations of independence during his reign were marked on September 27. Following his ouster, there were calls to commemorate Mexican independence along the lines that the United States celebrated in grand style their Independence Day on July 4. The creation of a committee of powerful men to mark independence celebrations, the Junta Patriótica, changed the celebrations to September 16th, to commemorate Grito de Dolores, the start of the independence insurgency, and September 27th to celebrate the actual political independence.[22]

During the Díaz regime (1876–1911), the president's birthday coincided with the September 15/16 celebration of independence. The largest celebrations took place and continue to do so in the capital's main square, the zócalo, with the peeling of the Metropolitan Cathedral of Mexico City's bells. In the 1880s, government officials attempted to move the bell that Hidalgo rang in 1810 to gather parishioners in Dolores for what became his famous "grito". Initially the pueblo's officials said the bell no longer existed, but in 1896, the bell, known as the Bell of San José, was taken to the capital. It was renamed the "Bell of Independence" and ritually rung by Díaz. It is now an integral part of Independence Day festivities.

The traditional heroic figures of independence are thought of as liberators, so it is not surprising that their shortcomings are not discussed. Among many atrocities committed by some independence leaders were the brutal killing, torture, and rape of civilians. These acts have been overlooked, not unsurprisingly, like they are in many countries with an independence story. Today, Mexico celebrates their Independence Day in a happier and more nostalgic way with food, festivals, fireworks, music, parades, and much more. Traditional dishes such as chili en nogada is typically served on Independence Day to remind others of the Mexican flag. Mariachi bands are also very popular, and a common sight around September 16th. During the whole month of September, people will decorate homes, cities, and towns in the Mexican flag’s colors of green, white, and red. Proud Mexicans also love to teach and remind others the history and importance of the Mexican flag. The green on the Mexican flag stands for hope, the white represents unity, the red is to represent the blood of the fallen heroes lost in the many battles gaining their independence, and the center emblem symbolizes the monarchy in Mexico. The phrases “Viva Mexico” and “Viva la idependencia” are often heard throughout the year, but are even more common during the month of September ( New source 24, Learnnc). Parades or festivals are also a common sight in most towns in Mexico, and encourage all sorts of people to participate and learn more about their history.