September - Patriotic Month in Mexico and Beyond

Today marks the beginning of my second September living in Mexico, but for many years now I've always been excited when September rolls around. Why am I so excited about September? 

Pumpkin spice lattes? 🎃☕

The start of the fall season? 🍁

The answer is yes, with a BIG "but". 

I AM excited about fall because it is one of my favorite seasons, BUT even more than that, I'm excited for a month where it is easier to find ways to celebrate my adopted second culture, even when I haven't been living in Latin America. And there's a lot to celebrate!!

I've always sought out and taken part in any Latino cultural events that I could find near me. Anywhere that I go, I try to find some authentic Latin American food, with favorites being Mexican, Colombian, Puerto Rican, and Honduran food. In Chicago, I loved going to the National Museum of Mexican Art and then browsing the cute Mexican shops and dining in fabulous, authentic restaurants in the Pilsen neighborhood. Their Dia de Muertos event is fascinating, so go check it out starting in late September. 

In Rockford, I always supported events put on by my friend Manuel Salgado, such as his Cinco de Rockford and Tamale Fest (btw, this year's is next weekend on Saturday, 9/9/23! You should go! Flyer below).

September 15th marks the official beginning of Hispanic Heritage Month in the US. It's a time for recognizing and honoring the contributions of folks of Hispanic descent living in the US. Something that you may not have known (until now!) is that the timing of Hispanic Heritage Month coincides with September Independence Days for 7 Latin American countries! 

Mexico starts the celebration of their Independence Day with the "Grito de Dolores" on the 15th in reference to an event that took place in 1810, 11 years before Mexico gained freedom. Journey Mexico shares:

"Just before midnight on September 15, 1810, Miguel Hidalgo, a priest from the small town of Dolores near Guanajuato in Mexico’s Colonial Heartland made an impulsive decision that revolutionized Mexican history and resulted in the war that led to Mexico’s independence. Ordering the church bells to be rung, Hidalgo cried out to the native Mexicans and the working classes of mixed origin, urging them to stand up and take back the lands stolen from their forefathers, ending with the now-famous cry: “Long live Mexico!”

At the time, the countries of Costa Rica, El Salvador, Guatemala, Honduras, and Nicaragua were all part of New Spain together with Mexico. But the Central American countries withdrew in July 1821 and all decided to celebrate their independence from Spain on September 15, 1821, while Mexico's Independence Day is September 16th, 1821. The majority of Latinos in the US are from one of those 7 countries, so it makes sense that HHM begins on an important day of celebration for those folks! But wait! I almost forgot! There's one more Latin American Independence Day in September - this time in South America. Chile celebrates their freedom from Spain since September 18, 1810.

I hope that instead of just one month of targeted advertising and attention, that the culture in the US can shift and really honor and embrace the beauty of these cultures every day! The skills, dedication, family values, joy, can-do-attitude and hard work that so many Latinos provide on a daily basis is truly inspiring. 

 

With that history in our back pocket, lets talk about what that means for you if you're here in the municipality of Puerto Morelos this month. 

Patriotic celebrations are already starting here in 

Puerto Morelos tonight! 

The Ayuntamiento de Puerto Morelos announced that there would be:

1) The Señorita Independencia 2023 or Miss Independence 2023 competition in Leona Vicario tonight (Friday 9/1/23) at 7:00pm at the central park. 

2) The same Señorita Independencia 2023 or Miss Independence 2023 competition will be held here in Puerto Morelos at the central park on the colonia side of town tomorrow night (Saturday 9/2/23) at 7:00pm.

3) On Saturday, September 15th at starting at 7:00pm there will be a Fiesta Mexicana simultaneously in both Puerto Morelos and Leona Vicario in the same parks listed above. 

As of right now, I don't have more details about this year's celebrations, but I can tell you that last year there was folkloric dancing, music, food vendors, a speech by the mayor, fireworks, and a general party atmosphere. It felt very safe and was fun to experience. Hopefully the rain will hold off this year!

4) Chiles en Nogada are a traditional Mexican dish that is only available this time of year. It is a poblano pepper stuffed with ground meat, seeds, and other goodies and topped with a creamy walnut sauce, pomegranate seeds, and garnished with parsley so that it is the colors of the Mexican flag. I'm currently *forcing* myself 🤣 to try all the options I can find here in town to let you know which are my favorites. Currently in the lead - El Campanario! 

 

What are you most looking forward to this September? I'd love to hear from you in the comments!