Mexico City Welcomes Annual El Grito and Dia de la Revolucion Celebrations

MEXICO CITY, Sept. 15, 2011 /PRNewswire/ -- Sept. 16, 2011 will mark the 201st anniversary of Mexico's independence, followed by the 101st anniversary of the Mexican Revolution on November 20.  Perfectly timed to welcome the fall travel season, these festivals give visitors the perfect excuse to head down to the world's third largest city and experience the traditions and celebrations that mark these monumental holidays.

Visitors can witness the re-enactment of El Grito, "the call," that mirrors the call made by Miguel Hidalgo y Costilla in Dolores Hidalgo, Guanajuato to his parish on Sept. 16, 1810, urging them rise up against the Spanish colonial government.  El Grito takes place on Sept. 15, 2011 at 11 p.m. on the main square Zocalo, which is colorfully decorated and filled with jovial crowds coming together to commemorate the event.  Once marking the beginning of a revolutionary movement, the call now kicks off a night and day of celebrations throughout the city, heavily concentrated in the main plaza of the downtown neighborhood, Centro Historico.  Parades, firework displays and public concerts will also take place, all marked by continuous cheers of "Viva Mexico!"

Dotted with other historic buildings such as Templo Mayor, the Palacio Nacional, the Catedral Metropolitina and Palacio de Bellas Artes, Centro Historico provides a rich setting in which to celebrate and explore the historical gems of Mexico City.  After experiencing Centro Historico at the height of the annual Independence Day celebrations, tourists continue their cultural exploration of the city by visiting one of the 31 historic sites, one of which is a UNESCO World Heritage Site, or one of the 160 museums in the city, more than any other city in the world.

Dia de la Revolucion, "The Day of the Revolution," is another highly celebrated cultural holiday in Mexico City.  On November 20, Mexicans celebrate the Revolution of 1910-1920 with large parades led through the Zocalo and participants dressed in revolution era costumes.  This is another chance for visitors to experience the destination through the eyes of a Mexican and fully immerse themselves in the rich culture.

Mexico City is the country's premier tourism destination, welcoming more than 12 million visitors a year.  The ancient capital presents a vibrant, contemporary culture combining pre-Hispanic, colonial and modern influences that span nearly seven centuries.  With 160 museums (more than any other city in the world), 31 distinct archeological and historic sites, as well as 100 art galleries, the city's tourism industry is enhanced with the support of the Mexico City Tourism Promotion Fund (Fondo Mixto de Promocion Turistica del Distrito Federal  For more information, please visit www.mexicocityexperience.com, download the free StyleMap Mexico City app, and for daily updates, please friend/follow us on Facebook (www.facebook.com/MexicoCityExperience) and Twitter (@MexicoCity).

SOURCE Mexico City Tourism Promotion Fund