Mexican Independence Day takes place on Sept. 16, and its origins date from 1810 when Roman Catholic priest and revolutionary leader, Miguel Hidalgo y Costilla, helped Mexico become independent from Spanish colonial rule.

In 1808, Spain was invaded by French troops. For two years Spanish officials in Mexico formed secret societies opposing the new king. Some groups supported Ferdinand, while others wanted independence from Spain. Hidalgo, a pro-independence advocate, rang the church bell on Sept. 16, 1810, to summon parishioners for a life-changing announcement: They were ready to revolt against the Spanish. His speech became part of Mexico's history not only because of the revolt but also because it lead the way to racial equality and the redistribution of land. The day became known as the Grito de Dolores, or "Cry of Dolores," according to the Encyclopedia Britannica.

The large army of poorly trained fighters, led by Hidalgo and Ignacio Allende, a former captain in the Spanish army, won many battles but was ultimately defeated in January 1811.

Ten years later, on Sept. 27, 1821, Mexico finally won independence from Spain.

Mexican Independence Day marks the beginning of the war for independence. Cinco de Mayo marks Mexico's 1862 victory against French forces sent by Napoleon III to take over the country.

Mexico Independence Day, known simply as El Grito, is celebrated with food, parades, parties and bell-ringing. Many families cook authentic Mexican cuisine, like pork tamales, and use drink recipes for non-alcoholic and alcoholic drinks, like margaritas.

In Mexico City every year on Sept. 15 at 11 p.m., the president rings the bell of the National Palace and repeats a shout of patriotism based on the Grito de Dolores with the names of the important Mexican War of Independence heroes. He concludes by shouting "¡Viva México!" three times from the balcony of the palace to the crowd gathered in the Plaza de la Constitución, or Zócalo.

A national military parade takes place the next day in Mexico City.

In the U.S., many cities, like Chicago, hold a parade to mark Mexican independence.

In Las Vegas this year, Spanish singer Enrique Iglesias, Mexican singer-songwriter Juan Gabriel and other Latin celebrities perform at events throughout the day commemorating the country's independence, reported the Las Vegas Review-Journal.

Watch the video clip to see the 69th Annual East Los Angeles Mexican Independence Day Parade on Sunday with Los Angeles Galaxy and Mexican national team forward Giovani dos Santos as the grand marshal.