http://www.history.com/photos/mexicos-war-of-independence September 2010 marks the 200th anniversary of Mexico's War of Independence from Spanish rule, which was launched by Mexican priest Miguel Hidalgo y Costilla. en Copyright 2013, History.com Sat, 25 May 2013 04:00:00 GMT History.com 2013-05-25T04:00:00Z en Copyright 2013, History.com http://www.history.com/photos/mexicos-war-of-independence/photo1 On September 15, 2010, Mexico will celebrate the bicentennial of the beginning of its War of Independence from Spain. http://www.history.com/photos/mexicos-war-of-independence/photo1 http://www.history.com/photos/mexicos-war-of-independence/photo2 Miguel Hidalgo y Costilla, a priest, led a group of peasants and indigenous peoples in their fight against Spanish rule during Mexico's War of Independence until his capture and execution in July 1811. He is consdered the father of the Mexican nation. http://www.history.com/photos/mexicos-war-of-independence/photo2 http://www.history.com/photos/mexicos-war-of-independence/photo3 In September 1810, Hidalgo announced his "Grito de Delores" or "Cry of Dolores" calling for Mexican independence. Today, the city has been named in his honor and a statue has been erected on the location of his rallying cry, near his parish church. http://www.history.com/photos/mexicos-war-of-independence/photo3 http://www.history.com/photos/mexicos-war-of-independence/photo4 Vicente Ramón Guerrero Saldaña (1782-1831) was one of the leading generals of the Mexican War of Independence. He is considered a Mexican national hero, and the state of Guerrero is named in his honor. http://www.history.com/photos/mexicos-war-of-independence/photo4 http://www.history.com/photos/mexicos-war-of-independence/photo5 Guadalupe Victoria (1786-1843) fought in Mexico's War of Independence alongside Vicente Guerrero and later became the country's first president. http://www.history.com/photos/mexicos-war-of-independence/photo5 http://www.history.com/photos/mexicos-war-of-independence/photo6 Built to commemorate Mexico's independence from Spain, this tower features four identical sides which represent freedom, independence, constitution and reform. http://www.history.com/photos/mexicos-war-of-independence/photo6 http://www.history.com/photos/mexicos-war-of-independence/photo7 In May 2010, the remains of 12 leaders, including Miguel Hidalgo y Costilla and Vicente Guerrero, were exhumed and ceremonially displayed to commemorate the 200th anniversary of Mexico's War of Independence from Spain. http://www.history.com/photos/mexicos-war-of-independence/photo7 http://www.history.com/photos/mexicos-war-of-independence/photo8 Each year on September 15, Mexico celebrates its independence from Spain with parades, fireworks, ceremonies and concerts. 2010 marks the 200th anniversary of the start of the struggle for independence. http://www.history.com/photos/mexicos-war-of-independence/photo8