Celebrate Mexico’s Independence on September 16th!
Mexico’s Independence Day traditions look a lot like ours on the surface; the Mexicans gather together with their closest friends and family members for a full day’s worth of eating, drinking, dancing, musical performances, and of course, a big fireworks display to cap off the day. Flags bearing the country’s red, white, and green colors fly proudly from coast to coast, and shouts of ‘VIVA MEXICO” can be heard- and echoed- from every major highway to the tiniest dirt-road alley.
If you’ll be visiting Walt Disney World Resort on September 16th, there are so many ways for you and your family to celebrate the country’s independence! From food to fireworks, here are the best ways to get in on the fun!
Music
Music is woven into every facet of Mexican tradition, and the celebration of their country’s independence is no different! Everything from open spits cooking street corn to parades and celebrations; the streets of Mexico are where it’s at! The Mariachi Cobre in Epcot’s Mexico Pavilion follow the traditional Mariachi style and play their sets right in the pedestrian walkway, giving each of their performances a laid-back, south of the border vibe.
The newly opened Choza de Margarita is the perfect spot to pick up one of their delicious frozen margaritas to sip on while listening to the band. Audience participation is encouraged, so be sure to jump up and dance with your kids!

Fuel Up Fast on Traditional Food
Head to Coronado Springs Resort. The Pepper Market is the resort hotel’s quick serve dining spot, and the huge, brightly colored dining room boasts an outdoor marketplace feel. Umbrella tables, high ceilings, and plenty of bustling activity complete the atmosphere. The south-of-the-border inspired menu features dishes like empanadas and tacos.
I like to know what’s in the foods I’m eating and depending on my mood sometimes even opt for the build your own salad station! That way, my meal is guaranteed to be prepared fresh and have exactly what I’m craving!
If you’re keen on staying in the Mexico Pavilion for the duration of the holiday, you can treat yourself to (arguably my favorite!) in-Park quick-serve dining location: La Cantina de San Angel. The food here is traditionally Mexican without the grease that’s often associated with the cuisine.
My favorite thing to order on the menus is the always-fresh Ensalada Mexicana! The vegetarian-friendly salad is good on its own but adding a side of grilled chicken and a basket of chips to enjoy with the unlimited salsas makes the meal one worth of a holiday celebration!

Drinks
What’s a holiday party without a few libations? One that I would stay very far away from! Luckily, the Mexico Pavilion has you covered on this particular front. Situated inside the Mayan Pyramid in the Mexico Pavilion is where you’ll find the tiny, hole-in-the-wall tequila bar famous for its fast-talking bartenders and strong margaritas.
The décor inside La Cava harkens back to ancient Mexico and features artifacts and artwork that sets the mood beautifully, but we’d be kidding ourselves if we didn’t acknowledge that it’s the rapid-fire tequila pouring that makes this spot so famous. The Pineapple/Black Ant Salt Margarita is absolutely delicious, though when I visited with my friend, I opted for the no-frills tequila flight. If you like to sniff, swirl, and savor good quality liquors like me, order the flight!
I’ve saved the newest spot for last. Choza de Margarita opened just a few months ago, just in time to work out the kinks for national tequila day! This new outdoor hot spot is located at the foot of the Aztec pyramid in the Mexico Pavilion at Epcot, and it’s throwing down some pretty serious margaritas.
The forecast for the holiday is calling for heat, so a frozen margarita is the way to go! They have three on the menu (wild strawberry, lime, and passion mango) and when I visited, I couldn’t pick just one! Lucky for us, Choza de Margarita offers a Fiesta marg that combines all three of the frozen flavors!

Fireworks
There won’t be any special fireworks offerings specific to Mexican Independence Day…but as it does each night, the sky will light up Resort-wide nonetheless! If you’re one for traditional Disney fireworks, the ones over at that Park with the castle are the way to go.
If you’re more interested in seeing a full-blown production featuring music, water screens, floats, boats, and nearly every Disney character in existence, Fantastmic! At Hollywood Studios is a great choice. Plus, you can stay to watch the Star Wars fireworks display after you’ve returned from your time spent in Mickey’s imagination. On September 16th though, you’ll find me in the heart of World Showcase scoping out a spot for Illuminations: Reflections of Earth.
The overarching theme of this beautiful display of music and light is the unity of the globe, and I don’t think a better message can be heard- and hopefully received- on Mexican Independence Day.
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Special thanks to Maria Salerno for writing this article: Hiya pal! I am a NYC-based writer thrilled to be a part of your Disney vacation planning! I’m a WDW Annual Passholder, so you can find me in the parks regularly throughout the year. In addition to being a Disney Parks loving girl, I’m also a Disney toy and merchandise collector, a runDisney enthusiast, and Disney music and movie aficionado. You can follow me on Instagram: NYCtoAP and find me on YouTube: NYCtoAP. Thanks for reading, hope to see ya real soon!