Historical event: Commemoration of Mexico's independence from the Spanish crown in 1810.
Key figure: Miguel Hidalgo y Costilla, who called for rebellion in Dolores, Guanajuato.
1. Call to Independence
Miguel Hidalgo: Considered the "Father of the Nation" for his call to emancipate from European rule.
Conspiracy: Part of a group aiming to overthrow the Spanish viceregal government, led by Ignacio Allende.
Historical perspectives:
Mexican history books indicate that Hidalgo did not seek total independence, but rather the return of Ferdinand VII and the ousting of viceregal authority during the French occupation.
Carlos Herrejón: Historian who argues that Hidalgo sought absolute independence, supported by the testimony of Mariano Jiménez.
2. The "Cry of Dolores"
Historical debate: There is no exact documentary record of Hidalgo's words.
Contemporary versions:
Include mentions of the Virgin of Guadalupe and Ferdinand VII.
Herrejón, based on Juan Aldama's testimony, asserts that Hidalgo did not refer to the Virgin or the king in his cry.
Hidalgo delivered three speeches that day, mentioning the Virgin in the first one.
3. Virgin's Banner
Artistic representations: Hidalgo is depicted with a banner of the Virgin of Guadalupe, but he did not carry it during the "Cry of Dolores."
Real history: He obtained the banner at the Atotonilco sanctuary hours after the initial cry.
4. Date of the Cry
Actual date: It occurred on September 16, 1810, at 6 in the morning.
Change in celebration: It is commemorated on the night of September 15, possibly reinforced during Porfirio Díaz's government, although it was already done since the First Federal Republic.
5. Year of Independence
Bicentennial celebration: In 2010, Mexico celebrated 200 years since the "Cry of Dolores."
Complete independence: Achieved in 1821 with the entry of the Army of the Three Guarantees into Mexico City on September 27.
Historical commemoration: Initially, it was commemorated on September 27 along with September 16, but for political and ideological reasons, it ceased to be celebrated.
Conclusion
Miguel Hidalgo was executed in July 1811, and the fight for independence continued until 1821.
The celebration of the "Cry of Dolores" remains a central part of Mexican national identity, even though complete independence was achieved years later.