The historical event celebrated as Independence Day in Mexico is the Grito de Dolores, which took place on September 16, 1810. This cry for independence was made by Miguel Hidalgo, a Catholic priest, who called upon the Mexican people to rise against Spanish colonial rule. The event marked the beginning of the Mexican War of Independence, which lasted until 1821. Independence Day is now celebrated with parades, festivals, and fireworks, as it symbolizes Mexico's national sovereignty and the struggle for freedom from oppression, fostering a sense of national identity among Mexicans.