In Arcelia Sanchez's fourth grade dual language class at Willow Bend, students have been learning about Mexico’s independence from Spain after 300 years of colonial rule. El 16 de Septiembre (September 16) is one of México’s most important holidays. 

People of Mexican heritage all over the world celebrate this holiday with pride through parades, music, fireworks, and food. The most popular event is when the President of México rings the 200-year-old bell. This bell is the same bell Father Miguel Hidalgo used in 1810 to signal the start of the war for independence. 

“I decided to celebrate this important event with my class, because I want my students to preserve their culture and traditions of their country,” said Sanchez. “I feel it is very important that my students know the meaning of El 16 de September and learn a little bit about México’s history.” 

She wanted to give the students of Mexican heritage the opportunity to share this celebration with their peers from Central America.  

On this day, people celebrate with a variety of food. Sanchez’s students celebrated this day by bringing homemade breakfast burritos, atole de arroz (corn and masa-based beverage) and pan dulce (sweet Mexican bread). The students invited Officer Cruz to the celebration, and she brought the pan dulce to share with the students. 

“My students love Officer Cruz and want her to feel welcome to Willow Bend and to share their Mexican pride with her,” stated Sanchez.  

It is a common misconception that Cinco de Mayo is México’s Independence Day. However, Cinco de Mayo honors the Battle of Puebla where México fought against French forces and El 16 de Septiembre is México’s Independence Day.