On the night of September 15, 2025, the heart of Mexico City—the sprawling Plaza de la Constitución, better known as the Zócalo—will pulse with history and pride as it hosts a momentous event. For the first time since Mexico’s struggle for independence began in 1810, a woman will stand on the balcony of the National Palace and lead the nation in the iconic Grito de Independencia. President Claudia Sheinbaum, who made history as Mexico’s first female head of state, will step into a role previously held by 65 men, echoing the resounding "¡Viva Mexico!" three times before a sea of celebrants and millions more watching from home.
The evening’s festivities are set to begin with performances by beloved Mexican artists—Alejandra Ávalos, the group Legado de Grandeza, and La Arrolladora Banda El Limón—setting a festive tone before the clock strikes 11:00 PM local time. As tradition dictates, Sheinbaum will ring the bells of the National Palace, wave the tricolor flag, and pay tribute to the heroes of the nation’s 11-year war for independence from Spain. According to coverage published on September 14, 2025, this moment marks the culmination of 215 years since Miguel Hidalgo’s original call to arms, and now, for the first time, it will be a woman’s voice leading the charge.
For many Mexicans, this change is more than symbolic—it’s deeply personal. As reported by local sources, Marta García, a resident of the capital, expressed her satisfaction: "It was about time there was a president," she stated, underscoring the sense of overdue progress. Angélica, celebrating from her home with her family, shared, "It fills her with pride that it is a woman," seeing Sheinbaum’s presidency as proof that women can "keep moving forward" and achieve "important positions within this illusion." The pride, it seems, is shared across generations. Luis Arenas, 83, will also watch the ceremony from home, reflecting on the freedom won so long ago: "We are totally free, we are no longer under the yoke of the Spanish. Now we are free," he affirmed.
The Grito de Independencia is more than a political ritual—it’s a beloved national holiday, a time when families gather for traditional feasts. Yamilet González, another Mexico City resident, described the classic dishes that fill tables on this night: "very, very, very typical" fare like pozole, tamales, and quesadillas. While the Zócalo’s energy is unmatched, as Angélica explained, concerns about safety and the ever-present September rains keep many families at home. "Insecurity is a decisive factor for many families," she said, noting that the large crowds can be daunting. Others, like Arenas, brush off the threat of rain—"it doesn’t bother because you’re in a party, you’re in harmony with people."
Despite some nostalgia for grander celebrations of the past, the essence of the holiday endures. As García and Arenas explained, "it used to be much more beautiful" but the spirit remains alive in intimate family gatherings. For González, the night is a chance to invite foreigners to "experience this pleasant, unforgettable" celebration and feel the "affection" of Mexico on one of its most important days.
The scale of the event is staggering. In 2024, outgoing president Andrés Manuel López Obrador drew a crowd of 280,000 to the Zócalo and the nearby Francisco I. Madero Avenue, which stretches to the Palace of Fine Arts. This year, with Sheinbaum’s historic role, anticipation is running high, though many will still mark the occasion from the comfort of home.
The significance of Mexico’s independence isn’t confined to its borders. On Friday, September 12, 2025, the Mexican Embassy in Spain hosted a reception at Ambassador Quirino Ordaz’s residence, marking the 215th anniversary of independence. According to reports from Juan David Latorre, Ambassador Ordaz opened his remarks by emphasizing the day’s importance: "On this significant date, we celebrate the birth of Mexico as a free and independent country and reaffirm our identity, as well as our common destiny. Today more than ever, being Mexican means feeling pride in our culture and our history."
Ordaz highlighted the deep ties between Mexico and Spain, noting that the country’s greatness "cannot be explained without the legacy of its indigenous peoples and the value of their traditions, but neither can it be understood without the ties that have united us with Spain for three centuries." He went on to reflect on the transformation Mexico has undergone since independence, saying, "Commemorating our independence also means celebrating the historic and profound changes our country has undergone."
One of the most tangible signs of this change is the leadership of President Sheinbaum. As Ambassador Ordaz noted, "On October 1st, Dr. Claudia Sheinbaum will celebrate one year as the first female president in the history of Mexico, an event that honors our democracy and at the same time imposes a greater commitment to gender equality." In a move to highlight Mexico’s rich pre-Hispanic heritage, Sheinbaum proposed a major exhibition of archaeological pieces focused on indigenous women rulers, set to open in October 2025 at four major venues in Spain: Casa de México, Museo Nacional de Arqueología, Instituto Cervantes, and Museo Nacional Thyssen-Bornemisza. This initiative, with full support from Spanish authorities, aims to raise awareness of Mexico’s history and the role of women in shaping it.
The ambassador also celebrated recent honors, including the Princess of Asturias Award granted to the National Museum of Anthropology and History of Mexico and to renowned photographer Graciela Iturbide. These accolades, he said, "are a source of special pride." Looking ahead, Mexico will be the guest country at FITUR 2026, Spain’s major tourism fair, with all 32 states participating and a pavilion twice the size of last year’s—another sign of the country’s growing global presence.
Economic and cultural ties between Mexico and Spain continue to deepen. As Ordaz emphasized, "Mexico today is a stable, reliable country with great opportunities," noting the increasing presence of Spanish companies in Mexico and vice versa. Mexico now boasts the greatest air connectivity with Spain among Latin American countries, fostering even stronger bilateral relations.
The embassy’s celebration was capped by a performance from Mariachi Sentimiento Mexicano and singer Mariana Gasca, filling the evening with the unmistakable sounds of Mexican music and stirring emotions among attendees.
As Mexico marks 215 years since its struggle for independence began, the nation stands at a crossroads—honoring the past, celebrating progress, and looking to the future. Whether in the grandeur of the Zócalo, the intimacy of home, or at gatherings abroad, the spirit of independence endures, now with a woman’s voice leading the way.