Lakesiders will see patriotic spirits rise in September as Mexico celebrates history and tradition during El Mes Patrio.
The Día de los Niños Héroes, the Heroic Defense of Chapultepec against the invasion of U.S. troops (1847) is commemorated on September 13. The following day is Día del Charro, established in honor of the country’s iconic horsemen. Fervor peaks on September 15 as throngs congregate far and wide to reenact the Grito de Dolores, Miguel Hidalgo’s famed Cry of Independence (1810). Parades and festivities continue September 16, the official Día de la Independencia.
Ironically, other critical dates aren’t remembered. They include August 24, 1821, the day General Agustín de Iturbide and Spanish political chief Juan O’Donjú signed the Treaty of Córdoba and September 27 of the same year when Iturbide led the triumphant Army of the Three Guarantees into the nation’s capital to proclaim the birth of the Mexican Empire. Not to mention December 28, 1836, the date when Spain finally recognized Mexico’s independence.
Historic facts have been forgotten or twisted into over the years. But many myths and legends – long perpetuated in government-issued text books – have been debunked by modern historians.
Some suggest that the six “boy heroes” singled out in bloody assault on Chapultepec were not actually among the 50 brave military cadets and more than 400 soldiers slaughtered by the foreign invaders, just incidental bystanders killed while running in retreat.
As for Hidalgo, recognized as the Father of Independence, the truth is that there is no record of the exact words emitted in his Grito. Contrary to common beliefs, the harangue was not directed against Spain’s native monarchy, but rather Napoleon Bonaparte who had usurped the Spanish crown. The thrust of his message was a call to revolt against “bad government” and keep faith with the Catholic religion. He certainly did not shout out “Viva México!” because back then the country was known as Nueva España.
Never mind, semi-factual accounts have fed the sense of national pride that still fires up Mexican citizens today. As Independence Day approaches, street vendors and supermarkets will rake in millions of pesos for the sale of flags, tri-color banners, typical straw hats, fake moustaches, noise-makers, and miscellaneous trinkets to hang from rearview mirrors.
None of this merchandise helps diminish common behaviors that are anything but patriotic. Many folks continue paying mordidas to avoid traffic tickets or grease the wheels of bureaucracy. Able-bodied motorists keep on pulling into parking places reserved for the handicapped. Others put objects in the street outside their homes and businesses to save spots for their own vehicles. Too few think nothing of dropping litter wherever they wander.
More lamentable are the corrupt government officials who stand tall to salute the flag and belt out the national anthem while secretly plotting how to line their pockets.
On the flip side are the finer qualities of the Mexican character that make this extraordinary land so attractive foreign immigrants. Love of family, acceptance and kindness extended to strangers, that irrepressible joie de vivre despite adversity, all fit into the equation.
It’s plenty enough to get in on September’s festivities and roar Viva México!