Mexico marks the eve of its Independence Day with the traditional 'El Grito' ceremony in iconic Zocalo Square, on Monday, September 15 (GMT 04:50, September 16)

The event commemorates the Cry of Dolores, the call to arms issued in 1810 by Roman Catholic priest Miguel Hidalgo y Costilla that triggered the Mexican War of Independence. Each year, the president re-enacts Hidalgo's cry from the balcony of the National Palace, ringing the same bell Hidalgo used more than two centuries ago.

The ceremony honours independence leaders with shouts of 'Viva Mexico!', the national anthem, fireworks, music, and crowds in the capital, with similar celebrations held nationwide.

Mexico formally declared independence from Spain in 1821 after over 300 years of colonial rule.