The year was 1810 and México was known as the "New Spain." On the 16th of September, a Catholic priest, Don Miguel Hidalgo y Costilla
rang the Church bell in his village of Dolores, Guanajuato. He gathered Indians and mestizos crying out, "¡Viva México! calling out for war against the Spanish Colonial government.
After 11 years of war, Mexican Independence was recognized on September 27, 1821.
September 16 became a symbolic date for Mexicans and is known as "El Grito de Dolores," the day México celebrates its Independence.
Found a great article. Read more HERE.