Don’t Miss the Parade on Monday November 20
Tara A. Spears
The ten year struggle to oust dictator Jose Porfirio Diaz began in 1910. The revolution is now celebrated on the third Monday in November as a national public holiday that commemorates the revolutionary heroes with many outdoor activities such as parades, dances and festivals. The La Penita parade down main street is worth watching: all of the schools throughout Jaltemba Bay participate in colorful costumes.
The Pancho Villas are adorable, the school bands lively, and the multigenerational families proud as they cheer on the kids as they march with their classmates. Each year the parade has a theme that reflects some important event or honors the revolutionary heroes who ended the struggle and helped to reform Mexico. While economic growth and modernization occurred under the dictator Diaz, this progress did not filter through to the majority of Mexicans, especially the labor workers and people in the poorer parts of Mexico. Several key players, including Francisco Madero, organized the revolt against Díaz. Madero was then elected as president in 1911.
Another famous player in the revolution was Pancho Villa. Villa is called a bandit by some historians and labeled a Robin Hood-type outlaw by others. Regardless of his motives, Pancho Villa played an important role in the Mexican revolution. He became a legendary hero not just for robbing the rich and sharing with the poor, but also for leading one of the most crucial military campaigns during the uprising. Villa was credited for his bravery and devotion to the cause.
Festive foods include enchiladas, tostadas, tacos, and fajitas. The Mexican flag – a tricolor of green, white and red with the national coat of arms in the center of the white stripe – is flown on Revolution Day.
Revolution Day is a public holiday in Mexico. Banks, schools, government offices and many businesses are closed. Some streets and roads may be closed or restricted in towns and cities to make way for large celebrations. If you intend to travel via public transport in Mexico on the 20th, you should check with public transit authorities for any timetable or route changes. The same goes for driving: many roads will be blocked for hours to allow parades.
Grab a wide brim hat, sunscreen, camera, and come join the crowd to enjoy the holiday. The preschool age children –so precious! Lead the parade at 9 a.m. followed by the various grade levels. After the Conalep group- always very impressive with costumes, music, choreographed routine- are the mounted riders. See the authentic side of Mexican culture!
