Mexico Independence Day 2023

Today’s Doodle, illustrated by Mexican guest artist Ulises Mendicutty, celebrates Mexico’s Independence Day. On this day in 1810, the country began its fight for independence. After a decade-long struggle, Mexico officially became a sovereign nation.

The anniversary commemorates when a local priest in Dolores, Mexico rang the church bell to summon townspeople. The priest gave an inspiring speech now known as the Cry of Dolores, encouraging the listeners to revolt against Spanish rule. 

On Independence Day eve, the President of Mexico rings that same bell before reciting the Cry of Dolores. Onlookers dress in national colors and wave the green, white, and red Mexican flag. Colors of the Mexican flag are represented in today’s Doodle artwork which celebrates the “Golden Age of Mexican Cinema” when Mexico's film industry blossomed in the 1940s and 1950s.

Happy Independence Day, Mexico!

Guest Artist Q&A with Ulises Mendicutty

Today’s Doodle was illustrated by Mexican guest artist Ulises Mendicutty. Below, they share their thoughts behind the making of this Doodle:

Q: What was your creative process for this Doodle artwork?

A: I did some research on the graphics that were used at that time for movie posters. I tried to base my references mostly on those and look for details that were representative and could be adapted to the ideas that I had to create the Doodle. I had to pay tribute to the Golden Age of Mexican Cinema and also to Independence Day, so the most complicated part was to try to unite both things in one drawing. I tried to solve it with the use of color alone. The color refers to Independence Day and the absence of color refers to the Golden Age's beautiful black and white films. 

Q: Did you draw inspiration from anything in particular for this Doodle? Are there specific elements of the artwork that have symbolic meaning? 

A: From the beginning it was clear to me that the main symbol of the Golden Age of Mexican Cinema were its protagonists, so my ideas revolved around highlighting this characteristic. The costumes, the decorative elements and the traditions that were transmitted through them were my greatest source of inspiration and the thing I most wanted to convay with my drawing. I also tried to make the characters in the Doodle women because historically there was more focus on the male elements so I wanted to show that women actually played a huge role in the Golden Age too.