PUERTOTITLÀN DE LAS A(N)TENAS

2010: Mexico’s Anniversary Year
By R.C. Walker • September 2010

Two thousand ten is an important anniversary year for Mexico. Perhaps the most important of the century. While little has been mentioned in Puerto Vallarta during the first quarter of the year, it is not a bad idea to begin boning up on Mexican history this summer. When you return next winter, all of Mexico will be celebrating and you can join in on the fun!

September 16th, Mexican Independence Day, and November 20th, The Day of the Mexican Revolution, will be the two most important dates to remember in the second half of this year.  “El Grito de la Independencia” by Padre Miguel Hidalgo y Costilla on the church steps of Dolores Hidalgo, Guanajuato on the morning of September 16th, 1810, and now traditionally celebrated on the evening of September 15th at 11:00 p.m., marked the beginning of a 11 year struggle against colonial Spain which eventually resulted in independence.  And this gives you a good idea why now is a perfect time to beginning delving more into the fascinating history of Mexico.  While September 15th and 16th will fill the air with “Vivas!”, it will be just the beginning.  For the next 11 years, Mexico will celebrate each battle, each victory in this long Independence movement.  And you should plan to follow it step by step as the celebration continues.

But the Bicentennial of Mexican Independence which began in 1810 is only a part of the story.  On November 20th, 1910, Mexico began it’s Revolution against the dictatorship of Porfirio Diaz.  A Revolution which lasted, you guessed it, 10 years. While Porfirio Diaz abandoned the country within months of the beginning of hostilities, the country of 15 million inhabitants suffered over a million casualities and unforgettable personalities like Francisco Villa and Emiliano Zapata became not only a part of history but a part of the Mexican character. The Centennial Anniversary of the Revolution together with the Bicentennial of the War of Independence.

As with many important historical accounts in any country, Mexico has it’s share of myths and documented records of these nation-forming events. With regard to the War of Independence: Yes, the head of the executed Hidalgo was placed in a cage in one of the corners of the Alhondiga de Granaditas in Guanajuato in 1811 (as well as the heads of Allende, Aldama and Jimenez to complete the four corners of the building) and remained there until the end of the war 10 years later.  And, yes, Jose Maria Morelos y Pavon was a student of Miguel Hidalgo at the Colegio de San Nicolas in Valladolid (today, Morelia) before he assumed the mantel of “Insurgente” to continue the struggle once Hidalgo was executed. And talking about the Revolution:  Yes, Pancho Villa was the assumed name of Doroteo Arango who was in trouble with the law long before he became the General of the Division of the North. And, yes, Francisco Madero was known to be a spiritualist to have conversations with his brother Raul who had died in a fire at the age of four. Later, he began to have conversations with “Jose”, another spirit who recommended more drastic measures against the authorities.

In Mexico, the documented accounts are often more fascinating than any myths that have been devised. This is why 2010 is a very special year for the country. This year will begin a decade long celebration. The beginning of a historical adventure in which everyone who is interested in Mexico should participate.

Along the Avenida Reforma in Mexico City is the statue of the Angel de la Indpendencia. This statue in the center of the national capital is often recognized as the symbol of national pride, the protector of Mexican nationality, the gathering place for celebrations and expressions of unity. This statue of the Victory of Alada was inaugurated on September 15, 1910.  Make 2010, the centennial of the winged victory, the inauguration of your own personal plan to know more about Mexico. With all the information that will be coming out over the next decade, this is the perfect time to learn more about your adopted country. Email to a friend

R.C. Walter
E-mail: rcwalker45@hotmail.com 
Website: www.grupoecologico.com • E-mail: grupoecologicopv@yahoo.com.mx

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