Fiestas Patrias

After gaining freedom from Spain, Mexico declared Diez y Seis de Septiembre to be its Independence Day. Kicked off by parties the night before, the celebration honors Father Miguel Hidalgo y Costilla's Grito de Dolores (cry of Dolores), which called for the end of Spanish rule. It is a national holiday, filled with traditional songs, costumes and cuisine – including Chiles Rellenos.