Celebrate Mexican Independence Day At Fairmont Mayakoba
Red, white and green, the colors of the Mexican flag will burst all around Mexico in September. Mexican Independence Day or so-called “fiestas patrias” are a treat for everyone.
It commemorates the rising up against the Spanish crown as Miguel Hidalgo y Costilla, the father of the Mexican Independence, rang the church bell in a small town called Dolores Hidalgo in the early hours of September 16, 1810. This is why the festivities start the night before on September 15th at 11 p.m. with a speech performed by the current president at the main square in Mexico City (El Zocalo) known as the Day of the Shout of Dolores, and culminates at midnight with the traditional shout or “el grito.”
Is Cinco de Mayo a bigger event in Mexican History?
As a matter of fact, the Cinco de Mayo holiday commemorates the Battle of Puebla against the French intervention in Mexico. The reality is that the Cinco de Mayo holiday is probably more celebrated in the U.S. than in Mexico, and most foreigners mistaken it for our Independence Day.
Traditional dishes you must try!
So, getting back to Independence Day, also called “Noche Mexicana,” is a day to get together with family, friends, neighbors and celebrate with music, dancing, games, fireworks, drinks, and traditional dishes.
Mexican food is popular everywhere you go internationally. And it’s no surprise, given that these exquisite dishes date back centuries and have been perfected over the years. Find here a list you must try on this day, and feel the Mexican spirit!
Pozole
Pozole is a traditional soup that originates with the Aztecs, and it is commonly prepared for events and special occasions, especially for Independence Day—made traditionally using pork, although sometimes it can be chicken, and ‘hominy,’ which is processed corn. The stew is slow-cooked and seasoned with a delicious combination of herbs and spices (it could be green, white or red pozole) and is typically topped with garnishes, including shredded lettuce, onions, and lime juice.
Chile en Nogada
This mouthwatering dish is representative of the Mexican Independence with its flag colors (red, white and green). It consists of a chile poblano filled with a picadillo made with a mix of ground beef and ground pork, nuts, and dried fruits, covered with a delicious walnut-based cream and garnished with pomegranate seeds and parsley.
As an interesting fact, it was a creation by a group of nuns in the state of Puebla, who were requested to prepare a banquet for Agustín de Iturbide after signing the declaration of Independence of Mexico. Nowadays, you may only find this traditional dish around the month of September.
Tamales
Mexican dish that can be found almost on every corner for breakfast or dinner. Made of a corn dough that is stuffed with seasoned chicken or pork and wrapped in corn husks or banana leaves.
Another interesting fact, the name “tamale” is derived from the word ‘tamalii’, an Aztec word meaning “wrapped food”.
What to do if you are in town?
If you wish to get to know these festivities, you can´t miss out on the food. On September 15th, we will have a Mexican Tianguis at Isla Lawn with a variety of Mexican food for you to flavor and Mexican music.
Afterward, if you are in the mood of going downtown, you can experience “El Grito” which happens in the central park of Playa Del Carmen (between 8th and 10th St and 15th Avenue and 25th Avenue). Enjoy the music, dancing, and colorful fireworks that will be all over town.
