Contrary to popular belief, Mexico’s independence is not celebrated on Cinco de Mayo. The celebration of the country’s birthday actually starts on September 15, the eve of Mexican Independence Day, when cities across Mexico reenact the rally screams of the country’s independence heroes and then continues on the 16th.

Mexico’s cradle of independence is located in the state of Guanajuato, which is one of the Mexican states visited as part of Viva Tequila Festivals’ Mexico Experience and home to well-known tourist destinations like the cities of Guanajuato, Dolores Hidalgo, and San Miguel de Allende.

This year, as travel is generally on hold for the moment, we invite you to celebrate Mexico’s independence from home.
Here are five ways to celebrate with friends and family this Mexican Independence Day.

Have Mr. Tequila do a Virtual Tequila Class
Step your knowledge of Mexico’s most well-known Spirit with a virtual class. Learn the basics like where does Tequila come from? What are the differences between Blanco, Reposado, Anejo? or what pairs nicely with a plate of Cheese.

Drink a Mexican flag
Mexicans are very patriotic and love their national colors: green, white and red. Not surprisingly, they have made a drink — La Bandera — out of them. This festive, multiple-shot cocktail is made up of three shot glasses, one filled with lime Juice, the next with Tequila Blanco and the third with Sangrita. Drink them in that order consecutively.

Eat a Chile en Nogada
The Mexican flag also makes an appearance in one of the country’s most patriotic dishes: the Chile en Nogada, a poblano chile stuffed with a ground-turkey picadillo, covered in a creamy walnut sauce and sprinkled with pomegranate seeds. This is the dish to have in Mexico during this season and can be ordered from any Mexican restaurant in the United States.

Throw a Mexican fiesta
Just because you can’t be in Mexico at this time it does not mean you can’t bring the party to you!  Throw your own fiesta to celebrate Mexican culture and independence. Cater your dinner with a local Mexican restaurant to support small business and decorate with the colors of the Mexican flag. And is there really a better time than this to get a piñata?! Add a little bit of Mariachi music from the state of Jalisco and, of course, you can’t forget the Tequila!

Shout “¡Viva Mexico!” “¡Viva Tequila!”
Mexico’s War of Independence was initiated by Father Miguel Hidalgo, who rallied against Spain in 1810. This event is known as El grito de Dolores. Each September 15 at 11 p.m., “el grito” is re-enacted in town squares throughout Mexico. Join in this act of resistance this month and shout “¡Viva Mexico!” at the top of your lungs. While you’re at it, try screaming “¡Viva Tequila!”

Join Mr. Tequila on a Virtual Tequila 101 on October 2, 2020.