MEXICAN
INDEPENDENCE DAY
September 16th celebrates Mexico's declaration
of independence from Spain in 1810. Every
year, local mayors and politicians re-enact the
famous Grito de Dolores. People of Mexican
heritage all over the world commemorate the
Grito de Dolores - an important event in their
country's history when a brave priest in the
village of Dolores rang his church bell and
delivered a powerful speech that set the War of
Independence from Spain in motion.
In Mexico City, thousands congregate in the
Zócalo, or main square, on the night of the
15th to hear the President ring the same bell
that Hidalgo once did and recite the Grito de
Dolores. The crowd roars, cheers, and chants,
and fireworks light up the sky. On the 16th,
every city and town all over Mexico celebrates
with parades, dances, and other civic festivals.
Mexicans across the globe celebrate by hanging
flags all over their homes and spending time
with family. A feast is usually involved.
September 16 2021
September 15 - 16 2021
YOM
KIPPUR
Yom Kippur comes ten days after the beginning
of Rosh Hashanah, so this year it will begin on
the evening of Wednesday, September 15th and
ends on the evening of Thursday, September
16th.
Yom Kippur is the most solemn day in the
Jewish calendar. It means Day of Atonement
and people fast for 25 hours. It's a day to reflect
on the past year and ask God's forgiveness for
any sins.
On this day, there are five special services held
at the Synagogue (locations where Jewish
individuals worship) and people spend the day
praying for forgiveness.
Another way of marking Yom Kippur is to wear
white as a symbol of purity.
"Yom Kippur is the
most important and
holiest day in the
Jewish year. On this
day, we atone for
our 'sins' and ask for
forgiveness. To me,
it symbolizes a day
of reflection over the
past year. The day is spent fasting in order to
atone and my family and I always spend Yom
Kippur together. The best part of the day is
the 'break' fast at sundown. The meal is always
extravagant with our favorite homemade
foods."
RACHEL BESSO
DIRECTOR OF PLANNING
- VERSACE, NEW YORK
"I celebrate Mexican
Independence Day
on September 16th
by watching 'El
Grito' on television
with my daughters
and my husband.
We celebrate with a
traditional Mexican
dinner and take the moment to reflect on and
share what being Mexican means to us. Being
part of Mexican decent comes with values
that are instilled since childhood, like being
hardworking, family-oriented, and caring."
IVONE VARGAS
HUMAN RESOURCES MANAGER
- MICHAEL KORS, CALIFORNIA
5