On the eve of September 16th, Mexicans in Carrillo and across the country begin celebrating Independence Day, or Día de Independencia,

with flags, fireworks, fiestas, parades, and of course, lots of food! Independence Day celebrates the day Miguel Hidalgo made the cry of independence (El Grito de la Independencia or El Grito de Dolores) which motivated the Mexican people to revolt against the Spanish regime.

In Felipe Carrillo Puerto people head to the central plaza to watch traditional dances, hear live bands, eat a marquesita

or three and watch the fireworks display. The governors re-enact the famous cry for freedom, ringing a bell and reciting the traditional words including the names of independence heroes and local patriots, and ending with the threefold shout of Viva Mexico! The bells ring a second time, the Mexican flag is waved, fireworks are let off and a fiesta begins! Everyone gets the 16th off work and school so the celebrating can go on into the early hours.

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The best way to experience the Mexican lifestyle is in person, with a Na’atik Immersion experience. Not only do you live with a local Mexican-Maya family, sharing home-cooked meals and free time, but also receive expert instruction in your chosen language at our school. Best of all, every immersion experience helps fund our subsidized and free local education program, helping local students to access opportunities and make their own futures.