September is a special month for Ixtapa Zihuatanejo, Guerrero, Mexico. During this time, the area joins the nation to celebrate its Independence Day on September 16. Ixtapa Zihuatanejo is also the center point in the state of Guerrero for the International Day of Peace celebration on September 21.
Tuesday, September 13, COMMEMORATION OF “NIÑOS HÉROES (BOY HEROS): On September 13 of every year, Mexico remembers and honors six young cadets, ranging in age from 13 to 19, who died defending their military academy at Chapultepec Castle in Mexico City in 1847, when the United States invaded Mexico during the Mexican-American War. There is a monument in Mexico City dedicated to these young men. In reference to these young Mexican cadets, U.S. President Truman said, “Brave men do not belong to any one country.” Read their story: From the Halls of Montezuma: The Story of the “Niños Héroes” (Boy Heroes).
Thursday, September 15, FESTIVAL OF THE PATRIOTS IN ZIHUATANEJO and Friday, September 16, INDEPENDENCE DAY NATIONAL HOLIDAY: Viva México! Mexico celebrates its Independence Day! In the early hours of September 16, 1810, Miguel Hidalgo y Costilla, a priest in the small town of Dolores, Guanajuato, rang the church bell to gather the townspeople. He called for the people of Mexico to rise up against the Spanish Crown, thus initiating Mexico’s War of Independence. This event, known as the Grito de Dolores (Cry of Dolores) or El Grito de la Independencia (Cry of Independence), is commemorated every year in town squares across Mexico. The country did not achieve independence until 1821. Read: A Short History of September 16 – Independence Day in Mexico.
Miguel Hidalgo y Costilla, a priest in the small town of Dolores, Guanajuato, rang the church bell to gather the townspeople, calling for the revolution.
The Independence Day ceremony will take place at 8:00 p.m. on Thursday, September 15 at City Hall in Zihuatanejo, followed by fireworks. See a play by the students of Zihuatanejo re-enacting the El Grito de la Independencia (Cry of Independence). The Independence Day Parade will be at 9:00 a.m. on Friday, September 16 through downtown Zihuatanejo.
Wednesday, September 21, INTERNATIONAL DAY OF PEACE CELEBRATION in Zihuatanejo: Ixtapa Zihuatanejo joins the United Nations in celebration of the International Day of Peace. Many local restaurants and hotels will host Peace Day activities. We invite you to visit the Peace Pole Monument in Zihuatanejo, located next to the museum. 
May Peace Prevail on Earth! May Peace Prevail in Zihuatanejo!
Tuesday, September 27, INTERNATIONAL TOURISM DAY: Celebrate this day and enjoy being a tourist! The World Tourism Organization asks that you reflect upon your responsibilities and impact as a traveler and commit to a more sustainable environment. Respect the local customs and environment. Don’t litter. Take a shower rather than a bath. Choose not to have your linens changed every day. Read: Sustainable Tourism Can Help Solve the World’s Problems — Travel Forever!
For more information about Ixtapa Zihuatanejo and the surrounding areas, see:
