MEXICAN INDEPENDENCE DAY: Father Miguel Hidalgo y Costilla delivers the “Cry of Dolores” during Sunday mass to his congregation in the village of Delores, calling for the expulsion of their Spanish colonial masters: “Will you be slaves of Napoleon, or will you as patriots defend your religion, your hearths, and your rights?”

       NOTE: Within minutes Hidalgo attracted 600 volunteers.

       [updated 8/16/2026]