Traditional Mexican Independence Day Food

If you are looking for some delicious and authentic dishes to celebrate Mexican Independence Day, you have come to the right place. In this article, we will explore some of the most popular and traditional Mexican Independence Day food that Mexicans enjoy on this festive occasion. Whether you want to cook them at home or order them from a restaurant, these foods will surely make your mouth water and your stomach happy.

Mexican Independence Day is celebrated on September 16th every year, commemorating the start of the Mexican War of Independence against Spain in 1810. It is a national holiday and one of the most important dates in Mexican history. On this day, Mexicans show their patriotism and pride by dressing in green, white and red (the colors of the Mexican flag), waving flags, singing the national anthem, and attending parades and ceremonies.

But of course, no celebration is complete without food. And Mexican cuisine is rich, diverse and flavorful, reflecting the country’s history, culture and geography. There are many regional variations and influences from indigenous, European, African and Asian cuisines. However, some ingredients are common across the country, such as corn, beans, tomatoes, chilies, cheese, tortillas and meat.

So what are some of the traditional foods that Mexicans eat on Independence Day? Here are some examples:

Chiles en nogada

 This is one of the most emblematic dishes of Mexican Independence Day, as it represents the colors of the flag. It consists of poblano peppers stuffed with a mixture of ground meat, dried fruits, nuts and spices, covered with a creamy walnut sauce and sprinkled with pomegranate seeds. It is said that this dish was created by nuns in Puebla in honor of Agustín de Iturbide, one of the leaders of the independence movement.

Pozole

This is a hearty soup made with hominy (dried corn kernels that have been soaked and cooked), meat (usually pork or chicken), and various toppings such as lettuce, radishes, onions, oregano, lime juice and salsa. Pozole is a pre-Hispanic dish that has many regional variations, but it is commonly eaten on Independence Day as a symbol of unity and diversity.

Mole

This is a complex sauce that can have up to 30 ingredients, including different types of chilies, nuts, seeds, spices, chocolate and more. It can be red, green, black or yellow depending on the ingredients and the region. Mole is usually served over chicken or turkey, accompanied by rice and tortillas. Mole is another pre-Hispanic dish that has been adapted and refined over time, and it is considered one of the most representative dishes of Mexican cuisine.

Tamales

These are corn dough parcels filled with various ingredients such as meat, cheese, beans, vegetables or fruits, wrapped in corn husks or banana leaves and steamed. Tamales are another ancient dish that has many variations across Mexico and other Latin American countries. They are often eaten for breakfast or as a snack, but they can also be part of a festive meal on Independence Day.

Enchiladas

These are corn tortillas dipped in a sauce (usually red or green), filled with cheese, meat or vegetables, rolled up and baked or fried. They are then topped with more sauce, cheese, sour cream, onions and cilantro. Enchiladas are a simple but satisfying dish that can be found in almost any Mexican restaurant or home.

Tacos

If you love tacos, you’ll love Mexico. This country is the birthplace of this delicious dish, and it offers a wide variety of tacos for every taste and preference. Whether you prefer meaty, cheesy, spicy, or veggie tacos, you’ll find them all in Mexico.

One of the most popular types of tacos in Mexico is the al pastor, which consists of spit-roasted pork marinated in achiote and pineapple. This taco has a Middle Eastern influence, as it was inspired by the shawarma kebabs brought by Lebanese immigrants. Another classic taco is the barbacoa, which is made with lamb or goat meat cooked slowly in an underground oven. The meat is tender and juicy, and it goes well with salsa verde and cilantro.

But if you want to experience the ultimate taco adventure, you should join the MXUnderground tour of tacos. This tour will take you to the best taco spots in Mexico City, where you’ll sample different kinds of tacos, from suadero to canasta, from carnitas to guisados. You’ll also learn about the history and culture of tacos, and how they reflect the diversity and richness of Mexican cuisine. Don’t miss this opportunity to taste the real flavor of Mexico!

These are just some of the traditional foods that Mexicans enjoy on Independence Day. There are many more dishes that you can try or make yourself to celebrate this important date. The key is to use fresh ingredients, spices and herbs to create flavorful and colorful dishes that reflect the spirit of Mexico.

If you want to experience these dishes and more in an authentic way, you might want to join one of the food tours offered by MXUnderground in Mexico City. MXUnderground is a company that specializes in showing travelers the hidden gems of Mexican cuisine and culture. You can choose from different tours that will take you to local markets, street stalls,  and more. You will also learn about the history and traditions behind each dish, as well as meet some of the people who make them.