Revolution Day

Yesterday was Día de la Revolution, the anniversary of the November 20, 1910 start of the Revolution to depose dictator and then president of Mexico, Porfirio Diaz. Diaz developed a unique method of ensuring continued power that would make even the likes of George Bush blush. After he was elected he simply banned further elections. Problem solved!

After serving one term he succumbed to public pressure and announced that there would, after all, be an election. Two people announced their intention to run against him. One, popular Liberal Bernardo Reyes, Governor of Nuevo Leon, was sent on a long mission to Europe to remove him from Mexico for the duration of the campaign. The other candidate, Francisco Madero, a popular land owner was thrown into prison to prevent him from campaigning.

The election went on and when the vote was announced, Diaz was declared re-elected (almost) unanimously! Angered by this massive electoral fraud the population, led by the jailed Francisco Madero, revolted. Diaz was forced from office and fled to France to live in exile until he died three years later.

Revolution Day Party in Lo de Marcos

There was a huge party in the Centro yesterday to celebrate Día de la Revolution. Vendors were selling inexpensive food and everybody was dressed in their finest. Spotlessly dressed girls gathered together on one side of the Square to watch the equally spotlessly dressed boys gathered on the other side who in turn watched the girls. Few ventured into the "no man's land" in between.

Horses were scrubbed, saddles polished and their riders proudly paraded their mounts around the Village Square. Music was played at deafening levels by a DJ and people danced. As usual in Mexico, some beer and tequila was in evidence but no one was drunk. It was a Family Day and it was a great party and for today at least, life in Lo de Marcos is Good!