Federal 3-Day Weekend Celebrates Mexican Revolution with Parade
Tara A. Spears
One of the joys of living in a small town is the sense of community and history. It’s especially apparent in Jaltemba Bay for any special day such as the anniversary of the 1910 Revolution. This national holiday commemorates the rebellion against long-term dictator, Porfirio Diaz.
While not as big as spring break, it is a very popular holiday for traveling so expect increased driving times and delays. All government, bank, non-hospitality businesses, and schools are closed.
The main street has been decorated with festive papel picado/ cutout paper banners, and a slate of fun activities are scheduled. The 2023 planning committee, Culture and Values Group of Peñita de Jaltemba, has expanded the usual activities to offer more kid events in addition to several cultural exhibits in the town square. The jewel in the holiday crown is the children’s parade that begins 9am Monday morning at the beginning of the La Penita Avenida and concludes at the town plaza where the activities are available.
The parade is a delightful spectacle that includes children from all three Jaltemba Bay villages so you will be sure to see neighbors. The theme of the event varies each year, as do the floats and costumes. All of the teachers have worked hard preparing the students, making the costumes, and practicing the battle reenactments.
The middle school and high school each have a marching band plus an interesting gymnastic performance- on the hot street cobblestones! Of course, there will be a few civic groups that participate. My favorite (of the 15 previous parades I’ve watched) was the senior citizens marching-each with a helium balloon! I thought that was so precious I sent a photo to my children and ever since they say before any family outing with me, “Mom, don’t forget your balloon in case you get lost…” Ha ha ha. There is just so much creativity in the hairstyles, clothing, banners, performances- it really brings history alive. I learn new things each parade!
I have so many adorable photos of mini Panchos I can’t pick a favorite five. Perhaps one of the reasons that Jaltemba Bay celebrates this day more than some of the other holidays is that as a working-class community it identifies with one of the leaders of the 1911 uprising, Pancho Villa. Without Villa’s fighting there would not be a holiday a 113 years later. Following the various Conalep (vocational high school) groups, band, and float, the mounted vaqueros do not disappoint. Note the gorgeous traditional saddles, boots and clothing- the details are amazing. It is memorable to see the horsemen with a child or grandchild with them!
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 and concluding with horsemen. This sensual delight typically lasts 3-4 hours so you may want to bring a folding chair and plan on buying a beverage in one of the shops. Viewing the Revolution Anniversary parade is sharing the authentic side of Mexican culture! There follows a translated schedule of events for 2023. See you there!
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