Mexican Revolution

In case you didn't know, today (November 20) is Revolution Day in Mexico. A national holiday celebrating the Mexican Revolution of 1910. On this day the bloody revolutionary war to overthrow the president Porfirio Díaz began.

However a recent article in The News stated this:

In a country where revolution is entrenched in the national mythology, Thursday's celebrations nationwide will come as no surprise. But for some Mexicans, the anniversary of the Revolution - observed on Monday by many workers - is simply a day off.

I did not realize just how highly entrenched in mythology the revolution is. Nearly every neighborhood in Manzanillo has either a street named Revolucíon, Francisco I. Madero, Emiliano Zapata, or Francisco "Pancho" Villa. These were all pivotal characters in the Mexican Revolution. Now all the street names in Manzanillo are beginning to make sense to me. It pays to learn a little about the history of Mexico and the Mexican revolution.

Mixed feelings

According the the article in The News it seems there are many conflicting thoughts to whether this revolution accomplished what it was meant to. While Independence Day is huge in Mexico, with celebrations taking place well into the night, Revolution Day isn't that big of a deal. I wouldn't have even known about it if it hadn't been for the long weekend most got to enjoy (and the never ending Mariachi band party that happened outside my window until 4 in the morning)!

Says the article in The News:

"If you ask people what the day means, they'll say, 'Villa, Zapata and the sports parade.' "

Indeed, as we were driving around today we saw many a school child dressed in the school colors, preparing for or participating in a parade. Apparently all the schools in Manzanillo have a big parade competition in downtown today.

Holidays in Mexico

You may be wondering: Why did everybody get a holiday on Monday, when the actual Revolution Day is on Thursday? Basically, it is called a 'bridge' day. It was the government being nice to the citizens, moving the day off to Monday so everybody can have a long weekend with their families and spend more money on vacations. Thus boosting the economy. Of course, many also get this Thursday off as well. You gotta love this place!

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