Verde Kitchen and Cocktails will be celebrating September 16 as Mexican Independence Day. On that date in 1810 Catholic Priest, Miguel Hidalgo y Costilla issued his Grito do Dolores or “Cry of Dolores.” Father Costilla read his statement in the town of Dolores, hence giving the document the name of the town. It called for the end of Spanish rule after 300 years, and other conditions including racial equality and distribution of lands. Not only are we celebrating Mexican Independence Day on the 16th, it just so happens to be National Guacamole Day as well!

Thousands of native Mexicans marched to Mexico City under Father Costilla’s banner of the Virgin of Guadalupe. His army nearly captured Mexico City in early battles, but Father Costilla was captured and executed early in 1811. Ultimately independence came at the hands of Royalists, Mexicans of Spanish descent and other conservative Mexicans. In 1820 a new liberal government took control in Spain and reforms were promised to appease the Mexicans. The Royalists pressured for independence as a way for them to secure their positions of power and privilege. In 1921 Augustin de Iturbide, the Royalist leader negotiated with Vicente Guerrero a plan known as the Plan of Iguala. It would establish an independent constitutional monarchy, maintain the prominence of the Catholic Church, and treat Mexicans of Spanish descent as equals to Spaniards. Iturbide then defeated Royalists opposed to independence.

Finally, on August 24, 1821, the Spanish Viceroy signed the Treaty of Cordoba creating Mexico as an independent constitutional monarchy. After no Bourbon monarch could be found, Iturbide was crowned emperor in 1822. This was short lived as he was deposed by Republicans led by Santa Anna and Guadalupe Victoria, and Mexico’s first republic was established with Guadalupe as its President.

Hopefully, this short history has to whet your appetite for Verde Kitchen and Cocktails fine menu or cocktails. Enjoy our lunch, happy hour, or dinner menus. Let us fix you a tasty cocktail including regular specials and happy hour pricing. Don’t forget our Mexican-themed Sunday brunch from 11 am to 4 pm. Whatever the reason, come to 70 East Main Street in Bay Shore and enjoy a bit of Mexican history delivered through our fine foods, drinks and we can’t forget Guacamole! ¡Salud!

LI Mexican Independence Day | South Shore Restaurant