 If you will find yourself in Mexico on September 15 and 16, get ready for Las Fiestas Patrias, the celebration of Mexico. But before you grab your cerveza and head out to the fiesta, get to know the reason behind the celebration.
New Spain
In 1521 Mexico was conquered by the Spanish, and became known as New Spain. For over 300 years the Spanish ruled Mexico and the Mexican people suffered great oppressions under their rule.
The Mexicans were planning a revolt for December 1810. However word of the intended uprising made its way to the Spanish rulers in September of that year, and the execution of the revolutionary leader in the town of Dolores, Catholic Priest Miguel Hidalgo, was ordered. Hidalgo could either stay put, run, or rally his countrymen and start the revolution early.
 Late on September 15, 1810 Hidalgo rang the bells of the church to call forth his congregation. He inspired them to revolt against their Spanish oppressors with what is known as "El Grito de Dolores," (the cry from Dolores). Over the years there have been differing opinions of exactly what Hidalgo said to rally his congregation, "Viva la virgen Guadalupe," "Viva México" or "Viva la independencia," but the people revolted and began a long battle for independence against Spain.
Hidalgo was eventually tried and executed in 1811, but the battle for independence from Spain did not end. Mexico finally defeated Spain and realized its independence in 1821. Independence Day however is celebrated on September 16, with festivities starting on the evening of the 15, commemorating "El Grito de Dolores."
"El Grito" Remembered
 In Puerto Vallarta the festivities take place on the Plaza Principal, in front of La Presidencia, the municipal government building) and on the Malecón. There will be traditional Mexican dancers and musical groups, including Mariachis, at Los Arcos Amphitheater. At 11:00pm the Presidente Municipal of Puerto Vallarta (mayor) will deliver "El Grito," reenacting the historic cry for independence delivered by Hidalgo in 1810, "VIVA MEXICO" with the crowd enthusiastically answering his call "VIVA VIVA VIVA." Similar festivities will take place all over Mexico.
After "El Grito" prepare yourself for an elaborate fireworks display. The show will feature traditional fireworks, but the highlight is "los Castillos," a free standing structure that will be ignited and systematically light up.
 On September 16 the day is celebrated with fiestas and a parade that winds through downtown. Statues of Hidalgo, in Vallarta and across the nation, will be decorated in green, white and red, the colors of Mexico. Green signifies independence, white religion, and red union. About half of the businesses in Vallarta will close in observance of the holiday. No need to worry, plenty of restaurants will be open so you can enjoy an authentic Mexican dinner.
Check out the events happening around Puerto Vallarta in the events guide or click here to view the complet list of events in PDF. If you would like a unique vantage point for the Independence Day festivities on September 15 consider charting a boat. You can have a front row seats on the Bay of Banderas without the crowds. Contact our concierge for more details.
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