Why the Birth of Miguel Hidalgo y Costilla is celebrated

On May 8 in Mexico the anniversary of the birth of Miguel Hidalgo y Costilla is commemorated; recognized since 1824 as First Insurgent and Father of the Nation. Therefore, this day, although it is not a holiday, is a very special event for our territory and our history.

Who was Miguel Hidalgo y Costilla?

Miguel Hidalgo y Costilla , was born on May 8, 1753 at the Hacienda de San Diego de Corralejo in Pénjamo, Guanajuato . He was ordained a priest in 1803, taking charge of the Parish of Dolores in Guanajuato . There he dedicated himself to serving his community, trying to improve the conditions of his parishioners, who were mostly indigenous. He taught them how to grow vineyards, raise bees, and run small ware and brick industries.

In 1809 Miguel Hidalgo y Costilla joined a secret society to gather a congress to govern New Spain in the name of King Fernando VII and thus obtain the independence of the country. Thus, on September 16, 1810, carrying a banner with the image of the Virgin of Guadalupe, laza the cry of independence, known as the Grito de Dolores.

The following year, in 1811, Miguel Hidalgo y Costilla was defeated near Guanajuato , managing to escape north. However, there he was captured and sentenced to death. They shot him on July 30, 1811 in Chihuahua.

His death prompted other insurgents to continue with the independence struggle and ideas and thus, when the Mexican Republic was consolidated in 1824, Hidalgo was recognized as the First Insurgent and the Father of the Nation.