Among the most moving and jubilant holidays around the world are those that celebrate great moments in a nations history. Book a Mexico Vacation Villa Rental in Puerto Vallarta in mid-September and you will have an opportunity to take part in a series of special events that commemorate Mexicos successful bid for independence from Spain in 1810. Their victory was a hard one, and they recognize it with gusto.
El Grito de Dolores
It took the Spanish Crown nearly three centuries, but by the early 1800s, it had managed to put together a record of human relations that was remarkable for its failures. On 16 September 1810, in response to Spanish mistreatment of indigenous people and those of mixed blood, the parish priest in the village of Dolores in central Mexico rang his church bells and called his followers to revolt. His cry (grito), Mexicanos, viva Mexico! (Mexicans, long live Mexico!) became the movements rallying call.
The story of the Mexican revolution isnt pretty, and history tells us that Father Hidalgo soon regretted his role in it. Nonetheless, the priest was and is recognized as a leader and hero of the revolution. The Mexican patriots continued their fight for more than a decade under the banner of the Virgin of Guadalupe, a native patron saint depicted as a woman of color, and Father Hidalgos Cry of Dolores before they won their cause.
Celebration in the Streets
Cinco de Mayo has become something of a national holiday in the southwestern United States, much like St. Patricks Day in the Northeast. That date isnt nearly as important in Mexico as Las Fiestas Patrias, Mexican Independence Days, which fall on 15 and 16 September. Every year at 11:00 p.m. on 15 September, the President of Mexico leads his countrymen in Father Hidalgos cry, Mexicanos, viva Mexico! The next day is a day of official ceremonies and military parades, bullfights, rodeos and dancing in the streets.
In Puerto Vallarta, the celebration starts on the 15th in the Plaza Principal and along the Malecn. When you set out from your Mexico Vacation Villa Rental, head in the direction of Banderas Bay and youll surely find the scene of the action. Dance troupes perform traditional dances and Mariachis fill the air with music at Los Arcos. The citys mayor leads el Grito at 11:00, then its time for the fireworks display. The next day, expect a parade and a grand fiesta, so grand, in fact, that many of the citys businesses close so that workers can join in the celebration.
The author is a huge fan of Puerto Vallarta and enjoys his vacation at Villa Rental Puerto Vallarta. For further information on Puerto Vallarta Vacation Rental and Mexico Vacation Villa Rental please visit at www.villaencantada.com.
