November 20th is Día de la Revolución, Revolution Day in Mexico. It commemorates the Mexican Revolution of 1910. The revolution aimed to overthrow the autocratic rule of the President of Mexico, Porfirio Díaz, who had been in power for over three decades. His rule favoured the elite and led to extreme socio-economic disparities.
All photos are from our many years in Puerto Morelos. Click on images to see larger.
The “First Spark” in Valladolid
It all began in Valladolid, just 175 km west of Puerto Morelos. The “first spark” was ignited when an insurrection took place on June 4, 1910, against Díaz. Maximiliano Bonilla and leaders of the Independent Electoral Center and the Anti-Reelectionist Front led the uprising. The rebels, mainly consisting of labourers from neighbouring haciendas and peaceful Maya volunteers, attacked the town at 3:00 a.m. They managed to take control of the city, removing railroad tracks and setting up defensive positions. The federal government responded by sending 600 soldiers, but the rebels held out for several days before they were defeated.
Later that year a presidential election was held where wealthy landowner Francisco Madero opposed Díaz. Díaz jailed Madero, who then escaped, issuing the Plan of San Luis Potosí on October 6, 1910. In that plan, Madero declared the results of the 1910 election fraudulent, nullified them, asserted that he was provisional president, and called for Mexicans to rise against Díaz on November 20, 1910. The actions inspired leaders like Emiliano Zapata, and Pancho Villa to emerge and advocate for democracy, land reform, and better working conditions. Their efforts brought about significant changes, including the redistribution of land, labour rights, and ultimately a new constitution in 1917.
Today, Mexican Revolution Day is celebrated throughout Mexico as a national holiday on November 20th. In Valladolid, it is still commemorated with reenactments and ceremonies in the city’s main square. In Puerto Morelos, schoolchildren dress up as their favourite historical figures for a town parade. It is a great time to be in our little town and see the kids marching the streets with their big black Poncho Villa moustachios and bandoliers. The holiday remembers and honours the struggles and sacrifices made by the people to achieve a more just and equitable society. This day serves as a reminder of the ongoing quest for social justice and the importance of remembering history to build a better future.
