September is right around the corner, the month when Mexicans proudly celebrate Independence Day. It’s a vibrant mix of festive traditions, colorful food, mariachi music, folkloric dances, and traditional clothing that bring the nation together in a joyful celebration of culture and freedom.
The Celebration Begins on September 15th at 11:00 PM, when Mexicans across the country reenact the historic “Grito de Dolores.” This tradition is led by the President of Mexico from the Palacio Nacional in Mexico City, honoring the cry for independence made by Miguel Hidalgo in 1810. The celebration includes fireworks, cheering crowds, and thousands waving flags while shouting “¡VIVA MÉXICO!” with passion and pride.
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The following day, September 16th, a military and civil parade takes place, showcasing the strength, colors, and cultural richness of Mexico. Authorities, schools, armed forces, and folkloric groups join in this grand event.
During these patriotic days, food takes center stage. There are certain dishes, Antojitos (street snacks), and drinks that simply must be on the table. Some are seasonal due to special ingredients, while others are enjoyed all year round across the country and are usually available on any Eating With Carmen Food Tours in Riviera Maya, Merida, Mexico City, or Los Cabos.
So you don’t miss the chance to celebrate like a true Mexican with delicious dishes, festive drinks, and a loud ¡VIVA MÉXICO! I prepared this list of food, and some other things YOU MUST have at your Mexican Independence Party!
POZOLE
This Aztec-origin soup, once served to Emperor Moctezuma, is made with hominy corn known as cacahuazintle, which blooms during cooking, giving it a foamy look. There are 3 basic types of Pozole, and they are colored in the same colors as our Mexican Flag.
White Pozole: Made with pork, topped with lettuce, radish, onion, oregano, lime, and chili.
Red Pozole: Made with guajillo and ancho chilies; can include pork, chicken, or turkey.
Green Pozole: Made with tomatillos, pumpkin seeds, epazote, and often served with pork cracklings and avocado.
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CHILES EN NOGADA
The star of the season, originating from Puebla. Chiles en Nogada were inspired by the colors of the Mexican flag. These stuffed poblano peppers are filled with a sweet-savory mix of beef, pork, and candied fruits and nuts, then topped with a white walnut sauce known as the “nogada”, fresh parsley, and pomegranate seeds.
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MOLE
No Mexican celebration is complete without Mole, a rich, complex sauce dating back to the Aztecs. Originating in states like Puebla, Oaxaca, and Veracruz, Mole recipes vary but often include:
Mexican chocolate, dried chilies (ancho, pasilla, mulato), cloves, cinnamon, raisins, sesame seeds, tortillas, bananas, and more—roasted, ground, and slow-cooked into perfection. Serve Mole over chicken, as enmoladas, or with a chicken breast with tomato rice on the side, with handmade tortillas.
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AGUAS FRESCAS & MEXICAN SPIRITS
Preparing, or even eating all this food, can be exhausting, so put out your thirst with Aguas Frescas, refreshing drinks made with fruits, vegetables, seeds, or flowers like hibiscus or jamaica, horchata, or tamarind.
Level up these soft drinks by adding the all-time-favorite Tequila or Mezcal and turn them into Mexican cocktails like flavored Margaritas or Mezcalitas. You can also try some other traditional Mexican spirits.
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Pulque: Fermented agave, Mexico’s oldest alcoholic drink.
Pox: A distilled spirit from Chiapas made from corn and piloncillo.
Xtabentún: A sweet, anise-flavored liqueur made from honey produced by bees that feed on the xtabentún flower.
ALWAYS SAVE ROOM FOR DESSERT
Independence Day festivities can last all day and night, and you must always leave some space in your belly for traditional Mexican sweets and dessert or your Mexican Auntie will get mad.
Take some bites of the favorite traditional sweets like alegrias, amaranth brittles, and palanquetas, pumpkin seeds or peanuts brittles, sweet potato candy, tarugos made with tamarind pulp and dry chiles, cocadas made of sweet shredded coconut, and mazapán, which is made primarily from ground peanuts and powdered sugar.
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TRADITIONAL MEXICAN MUSIC AND GARMENTS
Mexico’s flavor isn’t just meant to be tasted, it’s heard, felt, and seen. Mariachi music, Folkloric dances and traditional garments are also important guests at these festivities, showcasing the cultural diversity of each region.
Though Mariachi is the most internationally known, it’s just one part of Mexico’s musical heritage. Mariachi usually covers classic songs from Huapangos, Boleros, Sones, and Corridos. Legends like Vicente Fernández, José Alfredo Jiménez, Lucha Villa, and Javier Solís made Mariachi iconic. Even Linda Ronstadt honored her roots with “Canciones de Mi Padre” in 1987.
Wearing traditional garments is an essential part of Mexican festivities. Traditional clothing is handmade by Mexican artisans that reflect regional stories through embroidery and design. They’re proudly worn by dancers, musicians, and party-goers alike.
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TRICOLOR DECORATIONS
Streets, buildings, and homes are decorated with green, white, and red flags, streamers, and lights. Starting in early September, street vendors sell patriotic party gear like necklaces, ribbons, fake mustaches and braids, and more!
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FAMILY GAMES AND FUN
Family gatherings also include games and activities like Lotería, Piñatas filled with tamarind candy, fruit, and Mexican treats, and young ones and old ones too play with classic toys like baleros and matracas.
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Ready to Celebrate Like a True Mexican?
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This Mexican Independence Day, immerse yourself in a celebration full of flavor, music, tradition, and pride. Taste the richness of the cuisine, dance to the sound of mariachi, wear vibrant handmade garments, and shout at the top of your lungs:
¡VIVA MÉXICO!
¡VIVA EATING WITH CARMEN!
-Your favorite Mexican, Abbey.
