Mexicans don't usually need an extra incentive for a great feast, but there are still a couple of huge national holidays that are known around the world - the kind that make a party essential. One is Cinco De Mayo (literally the 'fifth of May'), which celebrates the Mexican victory over the French Empire in 1862, and another is Mexican Independence Day, which arrives with a bang on 16 September - and is the perfect excuse for a late summer barbecue!

Mexican independence from Spanish rule was gained in 1810, and is known in Mexico as 'Grito de Dolores' ('the cry of Dolores'), a reference to the battle-cry of Manuel Hidalgo y Costilla, the priest in the small town of Dolores, which began the insurrection. Over the years Hidalgo and his battle-cry have become as synonymous with Mexican national identity as the chilli or chocolate.

Falling as it does in late summer, Mexican Independence Day is a great opportunity to wheel out your barbecue kit for the last time before it gets too cold - and an even greater opportunity to 'Mexicanise' some of your BBQ favourites!

It's much easier than you might think. If you're making marinades for chicken, pork chops, steaks, or seafood, then there are loads of options: throw in some extra chillies and tomatoes, and maybe some honey and cinnamon, to your usual recipes, depending on what sounds right to you. Or why not try out the special Yucatan 'Red Rub' recipe we've provided, for a truly rich and authentic Mexican marinade.

Traditional Mexican accompaniments are perfect for barbecues as well - a big pile of nachos on a big outdoor table, accompanied by sour cream, salsa, and guacamole are great for those difficult, impatient moments when you're waiting for the next round of meat to come along. Bean salads are the perfect healthy side-dish, and have the advantage that they can be made in advance and refrigerated. And to really complete the experience, and make sure it's more than just any old barbecue, why not decorate your garden with some Mexican flags made out of red, white and green pieces of card, and order a pinata! They are commonly available online, or from most larger toy shops.