HAPPY INDEPENDENCE DAY MEXICO 2022

     
                                   HAPPY DIA DE INDEPENDENCIA MEXICO 2022

Ignacio Allende, one of the leaders of the War of Independence.

Mexico's most important and patriotic celebration is in honor of its Independence from Spain in 1810. Each year its "birthday" is celebrated on September 16th with traditional and also contemporary festivities and activities. You can compare Independence Day in Mexico to the 4th of July in the United States of America to get an idea of its importance.

The Mexican War of Independence began on September 16, 1810 when Father Miguel Hidalgo y Costilla, a Catholic priest, declared independence in the town of Dolores Hidalgo where he organized a large "army" of children, women, and elderly including Mexican-born Spaniards (Criollo people), Mestizos, and Amerindians to revolt against Spanish rule.
Father Hidalgo's now very famous "Grito de Dolores" or “Cry of Delores” called for the end of Spanish rule in Mexico, redistribution of land, and racial equality.

After a protracted struggle from 1810 to 1821 New Spain became the sovereign nation of Mexico with the signing of the Treaty of Cordoba. September 16 is celebrated as Mexican Independence Day.

The movement for independence was inspired by the "Age of Enlightenment" and the American and French revolutions. By that time the educated elite of "New Spain" (now known as Mexico) had begun to reflect on the relations between Spain and its colonial kingdoms.

After gaining independence from Spain in 1821, Mexico officially became the "United Mexican States." The American independence movement had inspired Mexican leaders of that era and since Mexico was in fact also a territory composed of states the name stuck and it became official in 1824.





Mexicans celebrate their country's Independence Day with fireworks, fiestas, food, dance, and music on September 16. Flags, flowers, and decorations in the colors of the Mexican flag which are red, white, and green are seen in public areas in the cities and towns throughout Mexico.





The Mexican national flag which is symbolic of the following: Green represents Mexican independence, white the religion at the heart of the Mexican culture and its people, and red the union between the religion and the independence.





One of our favorite aspects of Mexico's Independence Day celebrations includes the annual Charro Parade. Charros are the "cowboys" of Mexico who have maintained a very strong cultural tradition. The Charro Parade in Puerto Vallarta includes participants of both genders and many generations and is accompanied by marching bands.

The following photo is a three generation charro photo which I couldn't resist sharing.






Dia de Independencia is celebrated in Puerto Vallarta with the traditional reading of the "Grito de Delores" (Cry of Dolores) on the main plaza followed by music, dance, and fireworks. If you happen to be in Puerto Vallarta or any other town in Mexico during the first half of September I highly recommend this wonderful occasion. You won't be disappointed!

Thank you for joining me in celebrating Mexico's Independence Day celebrations. Until next year, wishing you and Mexico a happy and prosperous year. Saludos, Laura

REVOLUTION DAY CELEBRATIONS IN MEXICO

The Mexican Revolution (Spanish: Revolución Mexicana) or Mexican Civil War (Spanish: Guerra Civil Mexicana) was a major armed struggle that broke out in 19l0 when the decades-old rule of President Porfirio Díaz was challenged by Francisco I. Madero, a reformist writer and politician. When Díaz refused to allow clean elections, Madero's calls for revolution were answered by Pascual Orozco and Francisco “Pancho” Villa who led troops in the north and Emiliano Zapata who led troops of campesinos (peasant farmers) to the cry of "Tierra y Libertad!" (Land and Freedom!) in the South.

Díaz was deposed in 1911, but the revolution was just beginning. This internal war lasted for the better part of a decade until around 1920. Over time the revolution changed from a revolt against the established order to a multi-sided civil war with frequently shifting power struggles. By the time the revolution was over, hundreds of thousands had died as rival politicians and warlords fought each other over the cities and regions of Mexico. This armed conflict is often categorized as the most important sociopolitical event in Mexico and one of the greatest upheavals of the 20th century.

Primary Causes of the Mexican Revolution:

• The dictatorship-like rule of Porfirio Diaz for over 30 years

• Exploitation and poor treatment of workers

• Great disparity between rich and poor

A little about Orozco, Villa, and Zapata and their roles in the Mexican Revolution:
In the southern state of Morelos, Madero's call was answered by peasant leader Emiliano Zapata who hoped a revolution would lead to land reform. In the north, muleteer Pascual Orozco and bandit chieftain Pancho Villa also took up arms. All three rallied thousands of men to their rebel armies.

Emiliano Zapata

                                                                      Pascual Orozco

                                                             Francisco “Pancho” Villa

In the south, Zapata attacked large ranches called haciendas giving back land which had been illegally and systematically stolen from peasant villages under the rule of Diaz. In the north, Villa and Orozco's massive armies attacked federal garrisons building up impressive arsenals and attracting thousands of new recruits.Villa truly believed in reform and wanted to see a new, less corrupted Mexico. Orozco was more of an opportunist who saw a chance to get in on the ground floor of a movement. He was confident that the movement would succeed thus securing himself a position of power for himself with the new regime.

There were also female Zapatista soldiers who served from the beginning of the revolution. When Zapata met with President Madero on July 12, 1911, he was accompanied by his troops. Among them were female soldiers including officers. Some women also led bandit gangs before and during the Revolution. Women joined the Zapatistas as soldiers for various reasons including revenge for dead family members or to perform raids. Women fought bravely as Zapatista soldiers and some were killed in battle. Long after the revolution ended many continued to wear men's clothing and carry pistols.

                                  
                                                       Female Zapatista soldiers

By 1920 the revolutionary general Alvaro Obregón had risen to the presidency primarily by outliving his main rivals. Most historians feel that this event marks the end of the revolution although the violence continued well into the 1920's.

After prolonged struggles and bloodshed, the Mexican Constitution of 1917 was created during Venustiano Carranza's term as President. The Constitution of Mexico which is formally called the Political Constitution of the United Mexican States (Spanish: Constitución Política de los Estados Unidos Mexicanos) is the current constitution of Mexico . It was drafted in Santiago de Queretaro, in the state of Queretaro, by a constitutional convention during the Mexican Revolution.

The current Constitution of 1917 is the first such document in the world to set out social rights. The constitution is founded on seven fundamental ideals:

• A declaration of rights

• Sovereignty of the nation

• Separation of powers

• Representative government

• A federal system

• Constitutional remedy

• Supremacy of the state over the Church

Revolution Day is officially November 20th. However it is now celebrated annually in Mexico on the third Monday of November when all public offices, schools, etc. are closed. Viva la Revolucion and Viva Mexico!

The flag of Mexico (Spanish: Bandera de México) is a vertical tricolor of green, white, and red with the national coat of arms in the center of the white stripe. The coat of arms has an eagle holding a serpent in its beak and talon and is perched on top of a prickly pear cactus growing out of rocks in the middle of a lake. A wreath of oak and laurel tied with a ribbon in the national green-white-red colors is below the eagle. Viva Mexico!

FRANCISCO "PANCHO" VILLA

                                                              

                                                       

                                                       EMILIANO ZAPATA 

                                                                   

                                                     PASCUAL OROZC

                            

Please do not hesitate to contact me with any comments, suggestions, or questions. I may be contacted directly by email or by posting a comment on this blog page.  Gracias,  Laura

                                           

                                      My Moto:  Memories are just a click away!

DIA DE LOS MUERTOS CELEBRATIONS REVISITED 2022

It's that time of the year again when I share my favorite holiday in Mexico which is the Day of the Dead (Dia de los Muertos) festivities. I consider this national festival so very special that this is my fifth consecutive blog posting covering this annual tradition. This year I will also be including the giant "Catrinas" that made their appearance on the Puerto Vallarta malecon last year for the first time. So let's refresh our memories as to what Day of the Dead is all about and what customs are associated with it.

  

The origins of the Dia de Muertos are rooted in Mesoamerican culture and possibly Aztec festivals that celebrated the goddess Mictecacihuatl. Like the memory of a loved one that never fades, Dia de Los Muertos also survives. It may change and evolve, but it has never vanished. The Spaniards soon realized this when they arrived in central Mexico in the 16th century. They viewed the ritual which was started by the Aztecs some 300 years ago as sacrilegious.

The Aztec Empire's influence extended throughout present-day Mexico and Central America. The multi-day holiday focuses on gatherings of family and friends to pray for and remember friends and family members who have died and to help support their spiritual journey. In 2008, the traditions of this national holiday was inscribed in the UNESCO INTANGIBLE CULTURAL HERITAGE LISTS.

Day of the Dead celebrations run from October 31st though November 2nd each year coinciding with the similar Roman Catholic celebrations of All Saints Day and All Souls Day. November 1st is referred to as Dia de los Inocentes or Angelitos (Day of the Innocents or Little Angels) and is reserved for honoring deceased children while November 2nd is for deceased adults. While the idea of celebrating death might seem morbid in many societies in Mexico it’s quite the opposite. Death is not considered the end, but a new beginning.

The following traditions are also associated with the Day of the Dead celebrations in Mexico. All of them are unique and wonderful.

La Catrina 

This "video" creation was made from photographs taken on the Malecon in Puerto Vallarta last year of larger than life "Catrinas." I am hoping she will return for an encore appearance this year. I found her story and history so fascinating that I wrote a separate blog posting a few years ago which I invite you to enjoy at the following link:  LA CATRINA OF DAY OF THE DEAD FAME

Constructing Altars

The construction of altars is perhaps the principal custom of this longstanding celebration. Often decorated in vibrant oranges and purples before being piled high with ofrendas (offerings) such as candles, flowers, and personal possessions, these altars are generally more private affairs that are built at home.

However, in many communities such as Patzcuaro in Michoacan families construct them right at the graveside of the deceased. Nowadays altars are also prepared in most public buildings. The planning can often take months, but the results can be spectacular.

Altars are usually decorated with flowers, candles, pan de muerto, ceramic skulls, and most importantly pictures of loved ones. Food placed on the altar consists of the deceased favorite dishes and treats. Drinks are also placed in the altar to quench the thirst of the dead from their long journey back home. Isn't this simply wonderful!

Making Ofrendas (offerings) to the Dead

This custom goes hand-in-hand with the construction of the emblematic altars as families select a variety of ofrendas (offerings) which they believe encourage the deceased to return home and hear the prayers of their loved ones.

On November 1 (Dia de los Inocentes) deceased children are offered toys and sweets while on November 2nd deceased adults are offered alcohol, cigarettes, and other favorite items including Mexican pan de muerto (sweet bread).

Using Cempasuchiles (Mexican marigolds)

While the flower named cempasuchil (Mexican marigold) is also known as flor de muerto (flower of death) it is worth mentioning in its own right. Mexicans believe that this flower helps guide their loved one’s soul back to the world of the living. Since this flower blooms only during the rainy season which precedes the Day of the Dead festival it has now become heavily and primarily associated with the festivities.

Sugar Skulls

This is a favorite photograph which is a real life painted "sugar skull" face and I think spectacular.

The term "sugar skull" actually comes from the Mexican Day of the Dead festivities and is perhaps the most globally emblematic symbol of both the holiday and Mexico in general. Sugar skulls represent a departed soul with the name written on the forehead and was placed on the home altar or gravestone to honor the return of a particular spirit.

Sugar skulls reflect the folk art style of big happy smiles with colorful icing and sparkly tin and glittery adornments. The reason they are called “sugar skulls” is because the authentic sugar skulls were made out of clay molded sugar, decorated with feathers, colored beads, foils, and icing.

Holding Graveside Vigils

Although some stay at home on the night of November 1st and the early hours of November 2nd holding graveside vigils is still common in many Mexican communities and is most definitely one of this celebration’s most iconic traditions. People go to cemeteries to be with the souls of the departed where they build private altars containing the favorite foods and beverages as well as photos and memorabilia of the departed.

The intent is to encourage visits by the souls in order that the departed will hear the prayers and the comments of the living directed to them. Celebrations can take a humorous tone as celebrants remember funny events and anecdotes about the departed. Another Day of the Dead tradition which I really like!

Eating Pan de Muerto

Another common tradition during the Day of the Dead period is the consumption of pan de muerto (bread of the dead). Fortunately this bread is not made from dead people irregardless of its name. It is actually a lightly orange-flavored sweet bread which has skeleton bone-like decorations on top and which is covered with a healthy coating of sugar.

Cleaning and Decorating Graves

Although not all families can honor their loved ones at the cemetery itself, the tradition of cleaning the grave is still respected by most. This task usually includes cleaning up the area surrounding the headstone and leaving cempasuchil flowers.

A complete altar is often constructed here also. Graveyards during the Day of the Dead celebrations, contrary to what might be expected, actually take on the atmosphere of a festive social gathering.

Displays of Calacas

If you look closely at the female calaca you will notice a baby bump!

A calaca (a colloquial Mexican Spanish name for skeleton) is a figure usually used for decoration during the Day of the Dead festival. As with other aspects of this national festival, calacas are generally depicted as joyous rather than mournful figures. They are often shown wearing festive clothing, dancing, and playing musical instruments to indicate a happy afterlife.

Calacas also reflect the Mexican belief that no dead soul likes to be thought of sadly and that death should be an occasion for fond memories. This goes back to Aztec beliefs, one of the few traditions to remain after the Spanish conquest.

Sharing of Memories

And last, but not least, one of the most interesting of customs that takes place during the Day of the Dead festivities is the sharing of amusing anecdotes and memories about the deceased.

The fondness for telling funny tales ultimately comes from the belief that the deceased would rather not be remembered somberly, but cheerfully. This is a tradition often excluded from popular culture because of the highly intimate nature of it, but it is representative of the wide respect for oral traditions in Mexican culture. And I say bravo!

In my opinion some of the best places to enjoy the Day of the Dead celebrations in Mexico include the following: The island of Janitzio in Patzcuaro, Michoacan, Oaxaca, San Miguel de Allende, Chiapas, Yucatan, Puerto Vallarta, and of course, grandiose Mexico City.

The larger than life Catrinas who made their debut on Puerto Vallarta's malecon (boardwalk) recently for the Day of the Dead celebrations. I sincerely appreciate your visit and look forward to seeing you again next year for the annual Day of the Dead celebrations.

The following link will take you to my DAY OF THE DEAD BLOG POSTING 2017 which links to my Day of the Dead postings for 2014, 2015, and 2016 in case you would like to learn and enjoy more of this amazing tradition and holiday. With their best regards from Puerto Vallarta, the Catrinas of the Day of the Dead celebrations. 

The following images were taken just a few days ago on the Puerto Vallarta Malecon with largest-than-life Catarinas.  

And now for the mega gran catrina! 

 

This is the largest Catrina ever to grace the Malecon in Puerto Vallarta.  I say bravo!  

It's been a pleasure having you join me for the Day of the Dead celebrations in Mexico for 2022 and I look forward to your company next year for more of this amazing festival. Until then, wishing you well whever your travels and adventures may take you.  Cheers,  Laura