Mexico Independence Day 2019

Today’s animated Doodle, illustrated by Mexico-based guest artist Dia Pacheco, depicts indigenous Mexican crafts and textiles—particularly Oaxacan embroidery and the traditional children’s toys known as rehilete or pinwheels—in honor of Mexican Independence Day. Doodler artist Sophie Diao, inspired by Dia’s work, added to the festivities by animating the rehiletes. This national holiday commemorates Mexico becoming a free nation.

In the town of Dolores, on el dieciséis de Septiembre (September 16th) 1810, Miguel Hidalgo y Costilla rang a bell and delivered his famous cry of independence El Grito de la Independencia, motivating fellow Mexicans to rise up against Spanish rule. Although Hidalgo was captured the following year, the battle had begun. To this day, Mexico’s president pays respect to this historic moment at Mexico City’s National Palace.

Mexico’s national colors—red, white, and green—flood every public place at this time of year as horns, whistles, confetti, and shouts of "Viva Mexico" and "Viva la independencia” fill the streets. Woven as they are into the fabric of this rich culture, traditional Mexican crafts, clothing, and textiles, are very much a part of the festivities, along with food, music, dancing, and fireworks. 

¡Viva Mexico!

Guest Artist Q&A with Dia Pacheco

Today's Doodle was created by México City–based guest artist Dia Pacheco.
Below she shares her thoughts behind the making of the Doodle:

Q: Why was this topic meaningful to you personally?

A: September 16th is a celebration that starts from our identity as Mexicans. It calls us to unite as a homeland to eradicate injustices, to do something for our economy, discrimination, for all those who have left their land but do not forget their roots. To shout, to raise our voice to the heat of our Mexican food and its music.

Q: What were your first thoughts when you were approached about the project?

A: ¡Ay! It was very exciting, I had to see the email twice to confirm if it was from Google. I'm very grateful.

Q: Did you draw inspiration from anything in particular for this Doodle?

A: I was inspired by the arrangements and decoration that we usually use on this day, as well as some of the forms of embroidery in Mexican handicrafts.

Q: What message do you hope people take away from your Doodle?

A: Like many other countries, Mexico has undergone great changes, some very good and others too bad. But there are more of us who are good, and we continue trying to make a change.