Mexico Gets Ready to Celebrate its Bicentennial!

This year, Mexico celebrates a couple of significant milestones and the entire country is gearing up for one very big party. Officially promoted as Mexico’s bicentennial year, 2010 marks the 200th anniversary of independence from Spain as well as the centennial of the Mexican Revolution which ousted a dictatorial regime and resulted in a new constitution.

While many Americans mistakenly assume that Cinco de Mayo (the 5th of May) is Mexico’s version of the 4th of July, the country’s independence is actually celebrated on September 16th. At the heart of the observation of this date is the “Grito de Dolores,” the battle cry uttered just before midnight on September 15th, 1810 by revolutionary leader Miguel Hidalgo y Costilla, a Catholic priest who rallied his congregation to free themselves from the oppressive rule of the Spanish and to forge a new Mexican identity and government.

Traditionally, the holiday is commemorated with an annual “Grito Mexicano” pronounced by the Mexican president on the night of September 15th and with the ringing of bells in the nation’s capital. On the 16th, festivals, parades and speeches take place throughout the country.

For 2010, the Mexican government has undertaken a number of exciting projects to celebrate the anniversary. In Mexico City, a bicentennial arch will be inaugurated on September 15th. This year, the Mexican government also debuted ten Rutas de Mexico (tourism routes) highlighting some of the country’s historical, natural and culinary treasures.

Celebrating the Bicentennial in Cabo
Cabo San Lucas is always up for a party, and the bicentennial year is as good an excuse as any to get things going. Many resorts, nightclubs and restaurants are planning special events to mark the holiday. Here are just a few:

• Dia de la Independencia Party, September 15th – Pink Kitty – One of Cabo’s hottest new nightclubs, Pink Kitty kicks off the festivities with DJ Angel Serrano at the helm and a special Ladies’ Night. Downtown near the Marina.

• Fiesta Mexicana, September 15th – Baja Cantina – In the heart of Médano Beach, Baja Cantina is located just in front of the Cabo Villas Beach Resort and will be offering performances by mariachis, folklore dancers and a fireworks show in addition to a traditional Mexican buffet.

• Hard Rock Café, Cabo San Lucas – September 15th – Mexican cuisine, tequila and live rock will keep the “Grito” party going into the wee hours. Located at Plaza Bonita, near the Cabo San Lucas marina.

• Folk Dancing, San José del Cabo – September 16th – Gather in the main plaza for afternoon and evening mariachi music and traditional folk dancing in historic San José del Cabo.

• Epic Weekend – Nikki Beach at the ME Cabo Resort – September 16-18 — An awesome weekend of non-stop partying kicks off with the Green Party on September 16th at Passion Club & Lounge beginning at 9PM with DJ Terkko. Friday’s Red Party also takes place at Passion with DJ Carlos Belatti and Jaime Narvaez. Saturday’s White Party at Nikki Beach will have DJ Martin spinning poolside from 2PM-7PM.