Dolores Hidalgo
The Cradle Of Mexican Independence, Where Father Miguel Hidalgo Rang The Church Bell On 16 September 1810 With The Grito De Dolores That Began The War Against Spain. A Pueblo Magico With Hidalgo'S House Museum, The Parish Church, Painted Talavera Style Ceramics And A Tradition Of Ice Cream In Odd Flavours. Packed On Independence Day Eve · Dolores Hidalgo, Guanajuato
Dolores Hidalgo is a small, busy town in Guanajuato state, famous as the Cradle of Mexican Independence. On the night of 15 to 16 September 1810, the priest Miguel Hidalgo rang the bell of the parish church and called his parishioners to rise against Spanish rule, the event known as the Grito de Dolores. The church of Nuestra Senora de los Dolores stands on the main plaza, near the statue of Hidalgo, and his house is now a museum with a small ticket. The town is also known for Talavera-style painted ceramics, made in workshops and sold along the streets, and for ice-cream stalls with odd flavours such as shrimp, avocado and tequila, a light-hearted tradition rather than a food to take seriously. It suits history-minded travellers, families and anyone doing a loop between San Miguel de Allende, about 45 km away, and Guanajuato, about 50 km. It is worth a half day; it is not a place for a long stay, and on the eve of 16 September the crowds are huge.
The plaza and parish church of Dolores Hidalgo, about 50 km north-east of Guanajuato city and 45 km from San Miguel de Allende; coordinates approximate, Dolores Hidalgo, Guanajuato, Mexico
The plaza and the church are usually open daily from morning until evening, with the church closed between masses at times. The Hidalgo house museum commonly opens most days but may be CLOSED on Mondays; confirm days and hours before you go. Walking the plaza, looking at the church front and the statue, and watching the town are FREE. Ceramic workshops mostly open from morning to early evening and may close on Sunday afternoons. On 15 September the centre is packed and the roads closed from the afternoon.