No Holiday Parade to Celebrate Mexican Revolution 2020
Tara A. Spears
Monday, Nov 16, 2020 is the observed Revolution Day Memorial Holiday that makes a three day weekend. For our coastal community you can expect an increase in visitors from Friday, November 13 thru Monday, 16th November for the long weekend off from school and work.
However, the annual Revolut ion Parade-which includes preschool through high school children in costume-, is cancelled due to the health concerns of spreading covid virus. The all day parade is one of my favorite Jaltemba Bay activities because it reflects the area’s family values and culture. Although the live parade is fantastic, I have thousands of photos from previous years to highlight what we’re missing.
All Mexican national holidays mandate that federal offices, banks, and schools are closed besides many other businesses. The importance of this day is that it commemorates the start of the 1911 Mexican Revolution against the long-term dictator, Porfiro Diaz. Perhaps the reason that Jaltemba Bay celebrates this day more than the other holidays is that one of the notable leaders of the 1911 uprising is the folk hero, Pancho Villa.
Like so many military leaders who are later criticized for their actions, was Pancho a criminal or a complex individual with lofty ideals? History can only list the lifeless facts, not present the soul and charisma of the man that thousands rallied around to change the government of Mexico. Was Villa just a bad-ass dude or a Robin Hood that wanted to help his fellow countrymen; you decide.
A century later, Pancho Villa is remembered with pride and respect by many people in Mexico. He led the most important military campaigns of the constitutionalist revolution. Since Villa’s death, many statues have been erected in his honor across the country, and most villages and towns dress up as Pancho for parades.
As with any long federal holiday weekend, a little advance planning will ensure that life is good for you and the visitors. Prepare ahead of the holiday by stocking up on your groceries, beer, wine before the 13th to avoid lines. You can safely relax in a mask and social distancing on the beach to people watch the families: the children are so happy with sand and ocean. The strolling mariachi bands will perform everywhere: beachside, hotels, neighborhoods. If you don’t like live music after midnight simply buy some ear plugs rather than complain about someone else’s custom. “We Mexicans like our music LOUD!” my plumber explained to me when I asked about the custom of all night long live music.
Let’s hope that next year the wonderful Revolution Day Parade will resume: it’s a lovely celebration. ¡Viva Mexico! ¡Viva la Revolución! Long live Mexico! Long live the revolution!
