Mexican Independence Day – September 15-16

[Libby]

September 16th is Mexican Independence Day! The holiday commemorates the day the Mexican War of Independence from Spain began. It was very late on the 15th in the year 1810 when Father Miguel Hidalgo y Costilla rang the bell of his church and made the first "shout" for independence, beginning the war. This is why the Independence Day parties begin the evening of September 15th.

To celebrate this historic event, Mexicans across the nation gather in town plazas to reenact the shout (grito in Spanish). "Viva Mexico!" Here in Playa, the grito will be reenacted from the Palacio Municipal (City Hall). You can watch and participate from the 28 del Julio Plaza. The grito starts around 11pm, but get there earlier to watch the entertainment, enjoy some Mexican snacks and soak in the atmosphere.

The next morning, there will be a parade starting at the Mario Villanueva Stadium and ending up at the Palacio Municipal . It should leave the stadium at around 8am.

Many of the restaurants and bars will be celebrating Independence Day with specials, live music, DJs and more. I’ll be updating this thread with more details as I find them.

Video of the Grito in Playa del Carmen

[Libby]

The entertainment at the 28 de Julio Plaza will begin at 8pm with local artists. Popular Mexican singer and actor, Pedro Fernandez, will perform at 11pm.

Program of Events as released by the local Dept of Culture
8PM– INICIAMOS CON NUESTRA VERBENA POPULAR
8:15PM– GRAN PARTICIPACIÓN DE LA ESCUELA DE DANZA COPPELIA´S
8:45PM– PARTICIPACIÓN DE NUESTRA ARTISTA LOCAL ADDANIA LÓPEZ
9PM– (EVENTO SIMULTANEO) LIBERACIÓN DE PRESOS, EL PRESIDENTE MUNICIPAL SE TRASLADA A LOS SEPAROS DE SEGURIDAD PÚBLICA
9PM– BALLET FOLKLÓRICO "TUÚMBEN KUXTAL", ESTAMPA DEL ESTADO DE JALISCO
9:15PM– PARTICIPACIÓN DE NUESTRA ARTISTA LOCAL ADDANIA LOPEZ
9:30PM– BELLA PRESENTACIÓN DEL MARIACHI "MÉXICO NUEVO"
9:50PM– PARTICIPACIÓN DE NUESTRO GRAN CANTANTE JUSTO AGUILAR
10:10PM– PARTICIPACIÓN DE NUESTRO GRAN CANTANTE ARMANDO FERRAL
10:30PM- CEREMONIA DEL GRITO DE INDEPENDENCIA
10:45PM– ESPECTÁCULO DE JUEGOS PIROTÉCNICOS
11PM PRESENTACIÓN ESTELAR DE PEDRO FERNANDEZ
12:30AM MÚSICA AMBIENTAL

[Libby]

You may want to begin your evening with a traditional pozole or the seasonal chiles en nogada dish. Both are classic Mexican dishes, especially popular this time of year.

Chiles en nogada is a beautiful, red white & green dish — poblano chile stuffed with ground meat, spices, raisins, topped with a walnut cream sauce and pomegranate seeds. Quite a few restaurants will be serving this dish throughout September. My favorite place for chiles en nogada is La Cueva del Chango, but I hear Xocolatier also has a good one.


Pozole, a hominy soup, is a staple on Mexican Independence Day. The red version is most popular, but white and green pozoles are also offered at some places. We like the pozole at Pozoleria Mi Abuelita and Pozoleria Dona Olga.


At the 28 de Julio Plaza, you’ll be able to enjoy Mexican treats, including corn on the cob smothered with mayonnaise, chile powder and lime, fried plantains, churros, marquesitas and more!

[Libby]

Just around the corner from the plaza, Bar Ranita will be partying with free tequila and 50 peso margaritas.

[Libby]

On Sept 15, Wah Wah Beach Bar will be hosting the 2012 Rugby National Tournament. On the 16th, from 12-6pm, there will be a bikini fashion show, acrobatics, Mariachi, live bands & pig roast buffet, all you can eat for 100 pesos.

[Libby]

At Fusion Bar

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At Ipanema’s Steak House

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At Madre Tierra restaurant

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Imprevist restaurant:

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Piola restaurant:

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Tropical restaurant:

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Non-profit environmental organization Moce Yax Cuxtal AC is throwing a party in their garden on Friday, September 14th. Funds raised will help save trees native to this area.

[Libby]

Reina Roja Bar:

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Mamitas Beach Club:

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Kool Beach Club:

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Deseo bar:

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Coco Maya bar:

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Coco Bongo bar:

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Blue Venado (south of Playa)

[Libby]

Be Club: