The Miguel Hidalgo Order (Condecoración “Miguel Hidalgo” or Miguel Hidalgo Decoration) is the highest award that the Mexican State gives to its citizens. The Order forms part of the Mexican Honor System.
The Miguel Hidalgo Order is awarded for eminent or distinguished merits, relevant services rendered unto the Nation or to Mankind, exemplar conduct or life’s work, or heroic acts.
The Order is named after Miguel Hidalgo y Costilla (1753-1811), a Mexican Catholic priest and main leader of the Mexican War of Independence. The award was officially issued in 1975 by President Luis Echeverría and the Executive Branch of the Government of Mexico.
The Miguel Hidalgo Order Design
The Order consists of four classes, which are represented by a collar, a cross, a band, and a plaque. The Collar is awarded for heroic acts and exemplary conduct, and for services rendered unto the Nation or to Humanity that are of a transcendent and extremely beneficial nature. The cross is awarded for eminent merits, outstandingly exemplar conduct, and heroic acts which would not merit a collar. The Band is given for distinguished merits and exemplary that warrants making it public knowledge. The plaque is awarded for merits not contemplated by the previous grades.
The badge of the Order is a cross in silver and gold with an eagle on the obverse.
