Cinco de Mayo gets all the press. Much guacamole and tequila is consumed in celebration - at least in the US, so based on this hype it was my assumption that Cinco de Mayo was Mexico's Independence Day.
Spoiler Alert!
Cinco de Mayo commemorates the Mexican victory over the French in the Battle of Puebla in 1862, and not Mexico's independence. It wasn't until I spent time working in Mexico City that I understood that unless you are in Puebla, Cinco de Mayo isn't a big deal. It's not a public holiday in Mexico and no one is celebrating with pinatas.
Independence Day however, which is celebrated on September 16, is a big deal.
16 de Septiembre in Mexico
Mexican independence wasn't won from Spain until 1821, but it was the speech - El Grito de Dolores (Cry of Dolores) - made by Father Miguel Hidalgo on September 16, 1810 that solidified the nation against Spanish rule.
On the Avenue of September 16th in Mexico City's historic centre
On the Eve of Independence
Every year on the eve of Independence the current Mexican president reenacts Hidalgo's famous speech in Zocalo front of thousands of specatators, then rings the same bell that united the Mexican people. 
Angel of Independence on Paseo de la Reforma, Mexico CityAfterwards, the fireworks and parties begin. Many throughfares are closed to traffic to allow parties to flow out onto the streets.
I was staying close to the Angel of Independence where evening festivities included live bands and many vendors selling food, crafts, and Independence Day themed paraphenalia including flags, face paint and cascarones.
Ready for the night's celebrations - Cascarones and facepaintLater in the night cascarones, silly string and shaving cream are flying through the crowd.
The Parade
The highlight of September 16th is the parade. People begin lining the sides of the sides of the streets early in the morning to ensure a good view.
Often, as it did on the day we were there, it will rain but it didn't dampen the spirit of the crowds that continued to gather.
The parade is kicked off by the Air Force doing a fly by of the Plaza de la Constitucion.
For the most part, the parade is a military show, with some Mexican cultural elements mixed into the nearly 3 hour affair.
Here are some of the highlights.
You may have noticed a large number of people wearing green, white and red caps in the crowd. All along the parade route, volunteers were hannding them out . These girls were nice enough to pose for a picture.
Local volunteers handing out hats to the crowd
The Tastes of Mexico
The food in Mexico is so much more than tacos and guacamole. Here's what we recommend for celebrating Mexico's Independence Day.
Chile en Nogado
Restaurants all over the country prepare chile en nogada - a traditional dish of poblano pepper stuffed with spiced beef decorated to look like the Mexican flag, complete with pomegranate seeds. It's delicious and beautiful!
Chile en Nogada decorated as the Mexican Flag
Street Vendors
They are everywhere and are a good option if you're looking for something quick and cheap. Not all of them are properly registered with the city, so when the police come through to patrol, all it takes is a whistle from the lookout and the vendors will pack up and be on their way.
Tlayudas from a street vendor in CentroOut of curiousity I tried a Tlayuda. It was crispy and tasty as adverstised. I got mine just minutes before we heard the telltale whistle and then they were gone.
Mexico Has a Sweet Tooth
Pastries are a must for the annual celebration and there's no better place to find your favourites than Pasteleria Ideal. This bakery has been creating its delicious cakes and pastries in Mexico City since opening its doors in 1927 . 
Viva Mexico!The shelves of the bakery are continually stocked throughout the day as the freshly baked goods are brought in from the kitchen. The bakery smells as good as its pastries taste! All you need to get started is a tray and a pair of tongs.
Pasteleria Ideal
Good to Know
If you are plannning on visiting Mexico mid September and want to see Zócalo, in the historic centre of Mexico City, going on September 15 or 16 isn't your best choice. Although the feeling is festive, the area is very crowded making a leisurely visit and decent photo ops nearly impossible.
Mexican Flag Fauxhawk and moustache Also you must wait in long lines to be thoroughly searched by security before entering the perimeter of the Plaza de la Constitucion. We skipped the lines and saw the plaza another day.
Security perimeter around Plaza de la Constitucion