Immerse yourself in Spanish and the Mexican Independence

On the night of September 15, the streets of Oaxaca come alive with the sound of “Viva México!”

Mexican Independence in the streets of Oaxaca

National Days in September

September 13 - Niños Heroes Day.

September is commonly called "El mes patrio. " The main reason is that September 16 is Mexico's Independence Day, but September is full of national days and patriotic celebrations.

Starting on September 13, commonly known as "El día de los niños héroes," honoring six young Mexican cadets who gave their lives defending the Chapultepec castle in Mexico City during the Mexican-American war in1847. This is not a public holiday day remembered in the Mexican military and educational institutions.

September 16 - Mexico´s Independence Day

Many people mistakenly believe Mexico’s Independence Day is celebrated on May 5—it’s not.

The celebration of Mexican Independence Day takes place on September 16, marking the beginning of Mexico's independence from Spain in 1810. The most significant holidays in Mexico are celebrated in every city, consulate, and embassy worldwide.

September 27 - The Consummation of Mexico´s Independence

On September 27, 1821, the army of the three guarantees, led by Agustin de Iturbide, entered Mexico City, marking the end of 300 years of Spanish occupation. This day is often referred to as the Consummation of Mexican Independence or El día de la consumación de la Independencia.

10 Words in Spanish you need to learn to understand the Mexican Independence

1. Independence - Independence.

2. Insurgente - Insurgent.

3. Criollo - Creole ( A person of Spanish descent born in the Americas)

4. Guerra - War

5. Ejercito - Army

6. Virreynato - Viceroyalty (The territory governed by a viceroy, primarily referring to New Spain)

7. Tratado - Treaty

8. Colonia - Colony

9. Libertad - Liberty or Freedom

10. Consumar - To consummate or to complete.

4 Traditional Mexican dishes to celebrate Independence Day

Did you know that chiles en nogada, one of Mexico’s most iconic dishes, was created to honor Mexican independence?

Chile en Nogada, Restaurant Catedral

1. Chiles en nogada is one of the most emblematic dishes of the September festivities, especially Independence Day, September 16. Chiles en nogada consist of Poblano peppers (Chile poblano) stuffed with picadillo (a mixture of beef and pork, dried fruits and spices), bathed in a walnut sauce (nogada) decorated with pomegranate and parsley, resembling the colors of the Mexican flag. Chiles en nogada is believed to have been created in 1821 by Augustinian nuns at the convent of Santa Monica in Puebla. The dish was reportedly made to honor Agustín de Iturbide, a military leader who played a crucial role in the Mexican War of Independence and later became the emperor of Mexico. According to tradition, Iturbide was passing through Puebla after signing the Treaty of Córdoba, which secured Mexico's independence from Spain, and the nuns wanted to create a dish representing the newly independent nation.

   
   

   A few dishes embody Mexican independence, like Chiles en Nogada, and Restaurante Catedral de Oaxaca serves one of the finest versions in Oaxaca.

   
   

2. Pozole, a traditional Independence Day dish, was originally served as a ceremonial offering by the Aztecs. It is a soup or broth made from cacahuazintle corn, to which pork or chicken is added. It is served with various accompaniments, such as lettuce, radishes, onion, oregano, chili powder, and lemon.

   
   

3. Antojitos Mexicanos: literally means little cravings, or little whims, but in practice it refers to a whole category of traditional street food that are usually small, flavorful and made with corn as the base. Antojitos typically include tacos, tostadas, memelas, and quesadillas, among many others.
   

4. Tamales de dulce y buñuelos: When we think of Mexican food, savory dishes like tacos and mole often come to mind. Yet, Mexico also has a rich tradition of sweet flavors that are just as important in its celebrations. Two favorites that often appear during festive gatherings are tamales de dulce and buñuelos. Tamales de dulce are a playful variation of the classic tamal. Instead of being filled with meat or salsa, the masa is mixed with sugar, cinnamon, raisins, and sometimes even brightly colored dyes—pink being the most traditional. Wrapped in corn husks and steamed, these tamales carry the warmth of home cooking and are especially popular during family holidays and Independence month gatherings.
   

   Buñuelos, on the other hand, are thin, crispy fritters made of dough, fried until golden, and sprinkled with sugar or drizzled with syrup made from piloncillo (unrefined cane sugar). Their light crunch makes them irresistible, and in many parts of Mexico, breaking a buñuelo at the end of the year is said to bring good luck for the months ahead.

   
   

   During the week of September 15, during our Cooking workshops, students learn to cook these four dishes representative of the feast of Mexican Independence.

   
   
   
   

Please check out our Spanish language programs for a Spanish Immersion in Oaxaca during September or any other part of the year.