The Cry of Dolores (Grito de Dolores) was a call to arms that marked the beginning of the Mexican War of Independence. It was delivered on September 16, 1810, by Miguel Hidalgo y Costilla, a Roman Catholic priest in the town of Dolores, in present-day Guanajuato.
Here is a translation of the cry of Dolores, as recorded by Juan Aldama:
"My children: a new day has begun. We have taken up arms against bad government. We are fighting against the French, those gachupines who have oppressed us for so many years. We will fight for our freedom and for our religion, for our God and our country. Long live our Lady of Guadalupe! Long live Mexico!"
The Cry of Dolores is considered one of the most important events in Mexican history, as it sparked a wave of uprisings and guerrilla warfare that eventually led to the independence of Mexico from Spain. The event is celebrated every year on September 16th as Mexico's Independence Day.