MIGUEL HIDALGO Y COSTILLA
1753 - 1811
 

Hidalgo was a Catholic priest and the father of the Mexican Independence, although he didn't quite see it materializing in his lifetime.

Hidalgo's ringing of the church bell in Dolores on September 16, 1810, in order to rally folks for revolution against Spain became a milestone in Mexican history. This event is also known as the Grito de Dolores, or the Cry of Dolores.

Today, September 16 is commemorated as Mexico's Independence Day - Día de Independencia.

Furthermore, Mexico will celebrate its bicentennial, which means its 200th anniversary, in 2010. And speaking of celebration, two months later Mexicans will celebrate the centennial, which means the 100th anniversary, of the Mexican Revolution.

Check here for the Mexican War of Independence.

HILDAGO, THE PRIEST-PATRIOT WHO LED THE FIRST GREAT REVOLT AGAINST SPAIN AND DIED A MARTYR TO THE CAUSE OF FREEDOM