The town delegado, Chuni Medeles, waves the Mexican flag after reciting El Grito in the Ajijic plaza. The original Grito, or Cry of Dolores, was recited by Mexican priest Miguel Hidalgo on September 16, 1810, which initiated an 11-year war for independence from Spain. Today, the President of Mexico recites El Grito at 11 p.m. every September 15 in the zócalo plaza in Mexico City. The tradition is also observed in towns and cities across Mexico.