Known
as the "Father of Mexican Independence", Padre
Hidalgo was born on May 8th 1753 as Miguel Hidalgo y Costilla.
He grew up on a ranch in San Vicente in the district of Guanajuato while
Mexico was still under Spanish rule. After receiving ordination as a priest in 1779, he served churches in Colima, San Felipe,and Dolores, emerging as a leader of human rights. Hidalgo spoke out against Spanish colonialists, believing the people of Mexico would never experience full independence and justice.
Hidalgo encouraged economic independence from Spain by teaching agricultural and industrial techniques to Indians and his parish. In 1810 Padre Hidalgo, along with military leader Ignacio de Allende, made plans to overthrow the Royalist government. Hidalgo received warning that Spanish officials suspected their plot. Hidlago proceeded to gather supporters in Dolores. Just after serving mass on the morning of September 16, 1810, Hidalgo made his famous "Grito De Delores" speech. Thousands of supporters followed Hidalgo on a march. Hidalgos call to arms mobilized one of the most memorable revolts in Mexican history that led to final independence from Spain in 1821.
On July 30, 1811 Hidalgo was executed in Chihuahua during a battle on the bridge of Calderon. Padre Hidalgo continues to be honored for his leadership throughout Mexico and the Southwest United States. "Dies y Seis" celebrations commemorate Hidalgo's leadership and celebrate one of Mexico's most famous mobilizations against Spanish rule which led to independence. |
