For Mexico's Independence Day, the 'Monument to the Revolution' in Mexico City

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A monument to the Mexican revolution. Mexico celebrates its Independence Day

Today, 16 September, is Independence Day in Mexico, and visitors here in Mexico City can expect fireworks, fiestas and décor in the colours of the Mexican flag – red, white and green. This date commemorates the start of the Mexican War of Independence, a conflict that spanned more than a decade, culminating with Mexico breaking free from Spanish rule in 1821. In Mexico City, the occasion begins with a re-enactment of the ‘Cry of Delores’, an event in 1810 when priest Miguel Hidalgo rang the bell of his church and called for a revolt from Spain. Each year, on the eve of Independence Day, Mexico’s president rings the same bell that Hidalgo rang and delivers a patriotic speech at the National Palace.