Wednesday's show of concerts, parades and fireworks in Mexico City is said to be the largest of its kind in Mexico. But correspondents say the run-up to the events has been marred by accusations of overspending, bad planning and security concerns.
Heavily-armed agents carrying metal detectors are being deployed for the capital's celebrations and helicopters will provide added security.
More than 100,000 people are expected at the Mexico City events, guarded by more than 14,000 police officers, including snipers on rooftops.
A 65ft (20m) warrior statue is being erected in the centre of the capital to soar over the revellers.
After the massive parade, the climax of the celebrations will be the traditional "grito" (shout of independence) by Mexican President Felipe Calderon, which will be broadcast across the country from the capital's main square.
The shout is an echo of the battle cry of Catholic priest Miguel Hidalgo, who began the 1810 uprising.
Local leaders and Mexican citizens will cry "Viva Mexico!" in response. However, the grito cry by the mayor of Ciudad Juarez will come from behind closed doors.
The city, close to the Texan border, is the centre of the drug-related violence that has left 28,000 people dead in Mexico since 2006.
Guadalupe, east of Ciudad Juarez, has cancelled its celebrations.
Security will also be tight in Morelia, in the president's home state of Michoacan. Eight people were killed in a grenade attack there on Independence Day in 2008. The central square will be largely closed off.
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Credits: BBC
