Mexican Independence Day

Independence Day is one of Mexico’s biggest and most proud-to-be-Mexican of holidays. Celebrating the 1821 independence of Mexico from Spanish rule, Ajijic’s fiestas patrias can last for up to a week, encompassing the Regata de Globos, plus days leading up to the September 16 holiday.

2024 Independence Day Info

The 2024 Independence Day celebrations in Ajijic are from September 11-16. Don’t forget to see the Regata de Globos on Saturday, September 14. It’s not technically part of the independence celebrations but takes place the same week.

Here’s an example of a typical Independence Week schedule in Ajijic, which usually doesn’t change much year-to-year except for some of the dates.

Example Holiday Schedule
September 8 (approx)	5-10 pm	Rebozo Contest
September 14 (approx)	3-10 pm	Regata de Globos
September 15	5-7 pm	Games in the plaza
	7-11 pm	Music and dance in the plaza
	10:30 pm	Arrival of the ceremonial torch, El Fuego Patrio, at the plaza
	11 pm	El Grito
September 16	10-11:30 am	Independence Day parade
	6 pm-1 am	Combate de flores in the plaza, plus music, drinks and dance until late

September 8

Visit the Ajijic plaza at 5 pm for the rebozo contest, which in 2024 will likely take place on Sunday, September 8. The rebozo is a shawl sometimes used by Mexican women for fashionable and serviceable purposes, such as carrying a baby. It used to be more commonplace, but today, it is mostly worn only by elderly women in the area as daily wear.

One evening each year, as part of the Independence celebrations in Ajijic, dozens of women will show off their shawls and traditional dress in the plaza. After circling the plaza a few times, the crowd votes for their favorites and the contestants who receive the loudest applause win.

After the contest, stick around for music, dance performances, and the like which last until 11 pm or later.

September 15

Games, Music and Dance in the Plaza

Kids’ games start at 5 pm in the plaza, with the local children competing in games that have become part of the Independence Day celebrations in Ajijic. There are sack races, greasy pole climbing, and competitions where kids try to eat apples hanging on string, or lick coins loose from giant ceramic discs smothered with frosting.

The adults, as always, join in the kids’ fun with a few drinking and eating games. If you want to show off you could show up with a bottle of tequila or some caguamas (32 oz beers like those in the photo below). You could also bring some toys or games. They’ll use those as prizes or donations for the competitions. (There’s no cost for the event or expectation to donate, but people would think you’re cool.)

El Grito

Be sure to visit any of the local town plazas after 10 pm on September 15 for the recital of El Grito de Dolores by the town’s delegado (the town administrator, who is the closest thing that a town outside of the county seat has for a mayor).

This recital occurs all over Mexico at the same time on Independence Day Eve: delegados, mayors and even the president recite the famous battle cry that Hidalgo gave in 1810, which stirred the people into battle and eventually led to the nation’s independence.

It’s short — you’ll end up waiting a lot longer for it to start than it actually takes to recite) — but sweet, and an important part of Mexico’s history. Afterwards or before you can check out the music, dance and other activities going on in the plaza.

September 16

Independence Day Parade

The Ajijic Independence Day parade starts at 10 am on September 16, beginning on Constitución Street near the tianguis and ending at the plaza.

After the parade, the fiesta continues at the plaza and at the malecón. Check out the traditional combate de flores at 6 pm in the plaza, which is a flower/confetti fight. Families and local businesses sell many traditional foods and beverages all evening until they’re sold out.

The 16th of September would be a good night to go to the plaza for dinner to get some enchiladas, sopes, pozole or other Mexican foods.