Independence Day in Mexico City: The Grito and the Parade
What happens on the night of September 15, how to get into the Zócalo, the parade route, what closes on the 16th and how to plan for 2027.
Mexico City celebrates Independence Day with the Grito, the cry of independence given by the president from the balcony of the National Palace to crowds in the Zócalo around 11 pm on September 15, and with a military parade on the morning of September 16. September 16 is an official rest day under the Federal Labor Law; September 15 is not.
What happens on the night of September 15?
The Grito re-enacts the call to arms made by the priest Miguel Hidalgo in Dolores in 1810, which started the war of independence. In Mexico City, the president steps onto the central balcony of the National Palace (Palacio Nacional) late in the evening, rings the bell, names the heroes of independence and leads the crowd in shouts of “¡Viva México!”, before waving the flag.
The evening in the Zócalo usually includes a free concert before the ceremony, with the square decorated in green, white and red lights for weeks beforehand. Families come early, and food stalls and street vendors fill the surrounding streets.
The Zócalo is not the only option. The city’s boroughs (alcaldías) usually hold their own Grito ceremonies at its headquarters, with smaller crowds and often local music. Restaurants, cantinas and private parties hold Mexican Night (noche mexicana) dinners with pozole, tostadas and tequila.
How do you get into the Zócalo for the Grito?
Access to the Zócalo goes through security checkpoints (filtros de revisión) at set entry streets, and once the square is full, the gates close. Arrive in the afternoon if you want a spot in the square.
In recent years, city and federal security announcements have barred items such as:
- Alcohol, glass bottles and cans.
- Weapons, sharp objects and fireworks.
- Aerosols, including spray foam, and laser pointers.
- Large backpacks, coolers and drones.
- Flags on rigid poles; fabric flags are fine.
The list is published each year in the days before the event, so check the official announcement. Keep phones and wallets in front pockets, agree on a meeting point if you get separated, and plan the return trip: Metro stations around the Zócalo can close or restrict exits during the event. Our guide to marches and road closures shows where to check service changes.
What happens on September 16?
On the morning of September 16, the armed forces hold the civic-military parade (desfile cívico-militar), headed by the president. In recent years it has started at the Zócalo around 10:00 and moved along 5 de Mayo, Avenida Juárez and Paseo de la Reforma toward Campo Marte, lasting several hours, according to city and press announcements. The Ministry of National Defense publishes the route and contingents in the days before.
Spectators line the sidewalks along Reforma and the historic center. Streets on the route close from early morning, and Metrobús lines that use Reforma and the center change their routes. Airspace around the parade can also be restricted during the flyover, which can affect flight schedules.
What is open and closed?
September 16 is one of the seven official rest days in Article 74 of the Federal Labor Law. Employees who work that day earn double pay on top of their normal wage. Our list of Mexico’s public holidays explains the rules.
| Date | Status | What to expect |
|---|---|---|
| September 15 | Normal working day | Offices often close early; heavy traffic toward the center in the evening |
| September 16 | Official rest day | Banks and government offices closed; public transport on a holiday schedule; many shops and restaurants open |
Boroughs can order a temporary ban on alcohol sales (ley seca) around the celebrations, especially near the Zócalo. Each order sets its own area and hours, so check your borough’s notice if you plan to buy alcohol or run a business.
How do you plan for September 2027?
In 2027, September 15 falls on a Wednesday and September 16 on a Thursday, so the holiday will not create a long weekend for most employees. Watch for these announcements in early September:
- The guest artist and the security list for the Zócalo, from the city and federal governments.
- The parade route and closures, from the Ministry of National Defense and the city.
- Metro and Metrobús service changes; our guide to the Metro and the Integrated Mobility Card covers fares and holiday hours.
- Borough Grito events, if you prefer a smaller ceremony near home.
The US Embassy also issues demonstration and event alerts to US citizens enrolled in its alert program; see the Smart Traveler Enrollment Program to sign up.
Bottom line
Decide early between the crowded Zócalo, a borough ceremony or a dinner with friends, and leave bags, glass and alcohol at home if you go downtown. On September 16, expect closures along Reforma until the afternoon and plan errands around closed banks and offices.
FAQ
Is September 15 a public holiday?
No. Only September 16 is an official rest day under the Federal Labor Law. Many employers let staff leave early on the 15th, but it is not required.
What time is the Grito?
The ceremony traditionally takes place around 11 pm on September 15. The concert and festivities in the Zócalo start several hours earlier.
Can foreigners attend the Grito in the Zócalo?
Yes. The event is free and open to the public. Foreigners should carry a copy of their ID and avoid political activity, which the Constitution reserves for Mexicans.
Is the parade free to watch?
Yes. Spectators watch from the sidewalks along the route. Arrive early for a front spot, bring water and sun protection, and expect security checks near the Zócalo.
