The city of Dolores Hidalgo is where the Revolution against Spanish rule was born at 5:00 AM on September 16, 1810 when Father Miguel Hidalgo y Costilla woke his flock with Church bells and issued his “Grito de Independencia”, or “Cry for Independence”and a call for the abolution of slavery in Mexico. Miguel Hidalgo was no orthodox cleric. He questioned many Catholic beliefs, read banned books and had a mistress. He has been called “a genuine rebel idealist”. He was joined by his friend and fellow revolutionary Ignacio Allende from nearby San Miguel, an aboriginal leader and a fervent believer in the need for Mexican independence. Together they organized the aboriginal people and captured the nearby silver mining city of Guanajato (Wa-na-wato)from its Spanish overlords. Hidalgo was excommunicated by the Catholic Church for his efforts and, after being captured and executed by the Spanish on July 30, 1811, had his head displayed along with that of Allende and several others for ten years on a wall in the city. Instead of having its desired effect of intimidating the Mexican people into docile obedience, the lurid display spurred the people on to fighting for and eventually winning independence from Spain. After Independence was won, the heads were incorporated inside the Monument of Independence. Migual Hidalgo is a true National Hero and has been honored by more statues and paintings than any other citizen. I am looking forward to exploring this area.
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