Since the movement toward Mexican independence had been in progress since Napoleon's conquest of Spain, Hidalgo's declaration was a swift, unpremeditated decision. “Mexicanos, Viva Mexico!” Hidalgo told the Mexicans who where members of New Spain's lowest caste.

This movement was a group of intellectuals in Queretaro led by the corridor of the Queretaro, his wife and a group of Army officers distinguished by the adventurous lgnacio Allende.

The plan for revolution did not originally focus on the manpower of the Mexicans. Approaching sixty years of age, Hidalgo was beloved and greatly respected by Mexicans.

Gachupines were alerted to the croilloos independence movement by criollo officers who had refused to join the revolutionary movement and by a priest who had learned of the plot though confessional.

Hidalgo had three possible options. He could await arrest, flee Dolores or call on the Indian and Mestizo forces. His decision to call the exploited groups to revolution completely changed the character of the revolution.

Virgin of Guadeloupe, who was indigenous to Mexico, was the banner of the revolutionary forces as Hidalgo and Allende let the path toward Mexico City and the expulsion of the gachopines.

Hidalgo later regretted the bloodbath he had incited with fateful cry of Dolores. Despite his ambiguities toward the violent class struggle that the Mexican revolution, Hidalgo is still revered as the father of Mexican independence.

Eleven years of war, decades of despotic Mexican rulers and political unrest proceeded Hidalgo's cry of Dolores. Yet throughout the years of turmoil, El Grito de Dolores, “Mexicanos, viva Mexico,” has persevered. Every year at midnight on September 16, Mexicans shout the Grito, honoring the crucial, impulsive action that was catalyst for the country's bloody struggle for indepence for Spain.

decorations in the colors of the flag Red, White, and Green. All the people dress in the colors of the

fleg also. Durning the day people eat a variety of finger foods that are sold on the streets. Then at

eleven p.m. everyone says the cry of independence,"Viva Mexico" then it is followed by a show of

fireworks.

The Mexican Independence Day is just like our 4^th of July in some ways. We have parties, food and parades. We both celebrate with the colors of our different flags. Mexicans celebrate with the colors green, white and red. The American flag is red, white and blue. Flags fly outside homes and businesses to signal the holiday. Fireworks are shot off too.

There are also a few differences. In Mexico, they celebrate the holiday on September 16. We celebrate it on the 4^th of July. Mexicans decorate their cars and streets. Many vendors are set up along the streets selling food, flags and fireworks. At 11:00 on the night of the 16^th, the Mexicans cry out “Viva Mexico”, this represents Hidalgo's cry with his people symbolizing Mexico's freedom from Spain.

3 cups lightly salted peanuts

3 cups corn chips

3 cups spoon-size shredded wheat cereal

2 cups lightly salted pretzels

1 package (1.25 ounces) ORTEGA Taco Seasoning Mix

1/4 cup (1/2 stick) butter or margarine, melted

COMBINE peanuts, corn chips, shredded wheat, pretzels, seasoning mix and butter in a large bowl. Toss well to coat. Store in airtight container or zipper-type plastic bag.