Celebrations are underway marking the 200th anniversary of the start of Mexico’s War of Independence.

On 16th September 1810, a priest, Miguel Hidalgo y Costilla declared Mexico’s freedom from the Spanish colonial government, in the small town of Dolores.  Hidalgo’s call to arms became known as the Grito de Dolores (the Cry of Dolores), and led to the first of many rebellions against the forces of the Spanish Crown, which resulted in Mexico’s independence in 1821.

They don’t make priests like Hidalgo anymore - an intellectual revolutionary, who spoke out against Church and Crown, lived openly with his lover, fathered several children, smoked, drank, and gambled.  More importantly, he was an egalitarian, who believed in the sharing of wealth.  Hidalgo was eventually caught, excommunicated, tried for treason, and executed in 1811.  However, his clear-sighted actions inspired a nation to reclaim its liberty.

These incredible photographs show some of the events taking place for Mexico’s bicentennial celebrations.

More can be seen here