Sweet, Savory Ways to Celebrate Mexican Independence Day

We all know that Cinco de Mayo isn’t Mexican Independence Day, right? Right. Because that would be September 16th, when back in 1810, Roman Catholic priest and revolutionary Miguel Hidalgo rang a church bell that triggered Mexico’s separation from Spain. The Cry of Dolores, as the event is called, launched an eleven-year war and, ultimately, Mexican independence. Unsurprisingly, this is a lot bigger deal in Mexico than winning the battle of Puebla. September 16th (technically, Hidalgo rallied everyone at midnight on the 15th) is a patriotic holiday, with parades, concerts, and, of course, lots of food.

Time to break out the tortillas. Here are 34 of our favorite savory and sweet bites (and some sips) to celebrate with.