Who Issued The Grito De Dolores

So, you’re throwing around the phrase “Grito de Dolores” at your next taco Tuesday, and you want to sound like you actually know what you’re talking about? Good for you. But here’s the thing—everyone loves the shout, but who actually issued it? Grab a margarita (or a fancy sparkling water, I don’t judge), and let’s unravel this little piece of Mexican history like we’re gossiping over guacamole.

The short answer? A radical, fiery priest named Miguel Hidalgo y Costilla. Yes, a priest. Not a general, not a politician, not a guy in a cool hat (though he did have a thing for dark robes). Picture this: It’s the early morning of September 16, 1810, in the small town of Dolores, Mexico. Hidalgo is probably running on caffeine and righteous anger, because his secret plot to overthrow Spanish rule has just been discovered. Oops. Instead of fleeing like a sensible person, he does the absolute most—he rings the church bell to gather the townspeople.

Now, here’s where the history gets juicy. From the balcony of his parish church, Hidalgo didn’t just say, “Hey, let’s maybe consider independence?” No, he shouted it. He called for an end to mal gobierno (bad government) and famously cried out, “¡Viva la Independencia!” That spontaneous, dramatic, bell-ringing moment—that’s the Grito de Dolores. And the person who issued it? A 57-year-old priest who basically decided, “You know what, I’d rather start a revolution than finish my sermon.”

Fun fact: Hidalgo wasn’t exactly a model priest. He loved a good party, had a secret family (gasp!), and was known for reading “forbidden” books about the Enlightenment. Basically, he was the cool uncle of the Catholic Church. And his “grito” wasn’t a polished speech—it was a raw, emotional battle cry. It worked like a charm: within hours, thousands of people—indigenous farmers, mestizos, and regular folks—joined him, armed with machetes, slingshots, and pure ganas. The revolution was on.

But wait—don’t confuse this with the modern tradition. Today, every September 15th, the President of Mexico goes out on a balcony, waves the flag, and shouts the “Grito” in a huge, patriotic ceremony. It’s a reenactment—like a historical cosplay, but with more confetti and less awkward small talk. The original, however, was issued by Hidalgo, a man who went from priest to rebel leader in the time it takes to pop a bottle of champagne.

Sept. 16 Celebrations Are Valley-wide - Calexico Chronicle

So, next time you hear that famous shout—“¡Viva México!”—remember it was a daring, slightly reckless priest named Miguel who started it all. He didn’t have a PR team or a catchy slogan. He just had a bell, a big voice, and the audacity to believe a group of everyday people could change history. And they did.

Uplifting conclusion go! Here’s the thing, friend: The Grito de Dolores wasn’t issued by a king or a military genius. It came from a regular guy—a flawed, courageous, bell-ringing priest—who looked at injustice and decided to shout instead of stay silent. That’s the real magic. It reminds us that you don’t need a crown or a title to start something extraordinary. Just a little courage, a lot of heart, and maybe a really loud bell. So go ahead—shout your own grito today. For tacos, for freedom, or for that parking spot you just scored. ¡Viva tú!