If you polled ten people on the date of Mexican Independence Day, chances are the resounding answer would be Cinco de Mayo. But that would be wrong. Mexican Independence Day, Día de la Independencia, is September 16th and always has been—well, at least since 1810.

On Mexican Independence Day, in this month’s Affinity newsletter we share the inspiring story of how Spain came to recognize Mexico as an independent nation after more than 300 years of colonial rule, a story of struggle and revolution.

Read Viva México! Viva la Independencia! Vivan los héroes! >