Mexico - El Grito de Independencia - September 15

For Mexico, September 15 is not just another day on the calendar; it marks one of the most significant events in the country’s history: El Grito de Independencia (The Cry of Independence). This cry has echoed since 1810, when the priest Miguel Hidalgo y Costilla, in the small town of Dolores, rang the church bells to incite the people to rise against Spanish rule. This act of courage and determination marked the beginning of Mexico's fight for independence, a struggle that would last over a decade. Today, every September 15, this historic moment is recreated across the country, with Mexico City's Zócalo being the epicenter of the celebrations.

The celebration of El Grito is not only a reminder of the fight for freedom but also a reaffirmation of Mexican pride. In the Zócalo, the president of Mexico, representing the priest Hidalgo, steps out onto the National Palace balcony to give the cry, vigorously waving the Mexican flag while proclaiming "¡Viva México!" in unison with thousands gathered in the plaza. Fireworks light up the sky with green, white, and red, while the sound of mariachi music fills the air with traditional songs like “Cielito Lindo” and “México Lindo y Querido.” This blend of lights, music, and voices creates an atmosphere of euphoria and patriotic pride, uniting Mexicans in a celebration that transcends generations.

But it’s not just the Zócalo that witnesses this fervor. In every city and town in Mexico, from large cities to the smallest communities, a version of El Grito takes place, whether in the main plazas or even in homes. Mexican families gather to share this special night, and the food is an essential part of the festivities. Traditional dishes like pozole (a delicious soup made with hominy and meat), tamales filled with various ingredients, and the majestic chiles en nogada (with its green, white, and red colors representing the flag) symbolize Mexican patriotism in every bite. It’s not just dinner; it’s an act of family unity, a tradition connecting the present with the country’s history.

In addition to the food, the streets are adorned with patriotic decorations, and families often spend the evening dancing danzón or stomping to the rhythm of regional music, showcasing the joy and cultural diversity that characterizes Mexico. On every corner, the cry "¡Viva México!" can be heard, echoed by the crowds as flags wave in every direction.

But the fervor doesn’t stop on the streets. In Tibia, Mexican players also bring their patriotic pride into the virtual world. Although Tibia does not have an official event to celebrate El Grito, many players decorate their in-game houses with the patriotic colors, recreating small Mexican plazas with flags, lights, and decorations that evoke this special day. Clans organize their own celebrations, hosting special team hunts and using the opportunity to share the excitement of the day with fellow players from other nationalities. Even though they can’t gather physically, Mexican players in Tibia manage to blend their culture and festivities with the thrill of virtual adventures, showing that their pride in their country can be expressed within this fantasy world.

Thus, on September 15, both in real life and in the Tibian world, it’s a day to celebrate independence, history, and the unbreakable spirit of Mexico. A moment when the cry of "¡Viva México!" echoes not only in the plazas and streets but also in the hearts of those who, even far from their homeland, carry their culture wherever they go, even in the vast Tibian universe.

The amazing Star Wuli, a Mexican player full of good vibes, is here to share with us how she celebrates the patriotic holidays in style! Get ready to discover her traditions, favorite snacks, and all the excitement of September 15th:

On the night of September 15th, are you more about shouting "¡Viva México!" with all your heart or running straight to the table full of snacks? 

- The tableee, hahaha!

What typical dish can never be missing from your Independence Day celebration? 

- Pozole!

Tell us your secret strategy: how do you manage to survive the "Grito" without losing excitement or enthusiasm? 

- Tequila is always the secret.

If you could create a new dance for September 15th, what would it be like? Something between mariachi and traditional dance, maybe? 

- The first thing would be the outfit—something with lots of colors, and it would be a dance with mariachi in the background.

In your opinion, what's the biggest challenge for a true Mexican on Independence Day: dancing until dawn or eating non-stop? 

- Hahaha, tough one! I think dancing until dawn.

What would your perfect playlist be for September 15th? Would you include corridos, rancheras, or something more modern? 

- My musical tastes are very varied, so definitely a bit of everything.

How do you usually celebrate September 15th? Are you more into going to the plaza for the "Grito" or do you prefer a good meal with family and friends? 

- Usually during these festivities, I like to visit other cities in central Mexico and attend the plazas.

If Mexico were a song, what do you think would be the perfect anthem to play during the "Grito" of Independence? 

- In my opinion, there are three songs that represent Mexico: México lindo y querido, México en la piel, and Huapango de Moncayo.

To crown our edition with a golden touch, we are joined by Eveh, a prominent member of our fansite and the best example of what it means to combine the best of Mexico and Chile. With a unique blend of traditions and flavors, Eveh shows us how to celebrate both El Grito de Independencia and Chile’s Dieciocho, bringing the joy of both countries to another level. Get ready to discover how they merge these cultures in a fun and inspiring way—there's no better guide for learning how to celebrate big than Eveh!

Between September 15 in Mexico and September 18 in Chile, where do you think the best party happens? You have to choose just one! 

That’s a tough one, but if I have to choose, I’d say September 15 in the plaza, waiting for the Grito de Independencia, eating Mexican food. 

Which would you prefer to celebrate with: a good Chilean asado or some spicy tacos al pastor? 

- It’s so hard to pick just one! For the last two years, we’ve celebrated with asa’ito, and Chilean asados are amazing, but I really miss tacos al pastor, which are also amazing, along with the carne asada from northern Mexico, flautas, taquitos dorados, and tamales. snif 

How would you compare the Mexican Grito de Independencia to the atmosphere of the Chilean fondas? Which one gets you more in party mode? 

- I think they can’t be compared, both celebrations are unique, and both definitely get me in a party mood! 

If you had to pick an anthem to dance to all night, would it be cueca or mariachi? 

- There are people who say that the Chilean national anthem is a song by the group Amar Azul, which is actually an Argentinian band, but Chileans have adopted that song for the way they sing it… (the Chilean version is really good). I’d pick that one. But if we’re talking traditional music between mariachi and cueca, I’d go with mariachi, maybe because I don’t know how to dance cueca—yet. 

At Chilean national festivities, people drink chicha and wine, but what happens when you miss a good tequila? Would you dare to mix traditions? 

- I’ve never done it, and honestly, I’ve never had tequila, but… what about a good terremoto? I definitely can’t say no to those. 

Have you ever tried explaining to a Chilean what pozole is or how Mexicans celebrate with mariachis? How did that go? 

- Yes, many times! It’s very hard to explain—you have to live it, you have to taste real pozole, real Mexican food... There’s no comparison (not even what I cook is as good as the food in Mexico). Last year, at a Mexican party, a Chilean friend of mine had no idea what it was like, and he had an amazing time. The food was something completely new and different for him. 

Imagine you could combine the best of both celebrations: how would your "September 18th Mexican-style" look? What traditions would you mix? 

- Definitely bringing the terremoto to a Mexican party would be incredible, or micheladas at a Chilean asado—though I don’t think Chileans are ready for micheladas!.