On November 20, Mexicans will celebrate its 99th Revolution Day. During the same day in 1910, a major armed struggle broke out in the country that eventually overthrew Porfirio Diaz. It forever changed the way people see things in the country.Diaz had the power for more than 30 years (1876-1911). During his time, Mexico had some degree of political stability and economic acceleration. New industries were created. Kilometers upon kilometers of railroad and roads were constructed, while foreign capital increased. Despite this, His rule was marked by dictatorship, which is exactly what he opposed during the start of his rule. The increased prosperity failed to reach those in the lower classes, igniting a political unrest in 1910. The massacre of miners in the Cananea mine in Sonora in 1906 has been considered to be that event that finally sparked the revolution.
Many figures came into prominence during this period, including Francisco Madero, Pancho Villa, and Emilio Zapata, who each had some small uprising against Diaz. Madero had decided to run against Diaz in the Presidential elections of 1910. Diaz had thought that he could still control the outcome of this election like in previous ones. He ordered Madero to be jaile prior to the elections, where Diaz won by a landslide, providing the impetus for actual outbreak of the Revolution.
Over time, the Revolution changed from being a struggle against the established order into a multi-party civil war. This resulted into the creation of the Mexican Constitution of 1917, although it is considered that the war lasted until 1920.
99 years later since the start of the war, Revolution Day is considered to be one of Mexico's most important holidays. It is marked by colorful parades and celebrations, making it an excellent opportunity to indulge yourself into the feasts--except that this is now officially celebrated during the third Monday of November, which falls in November 16 this year.
Nonetheless, there is a big celebration waiting next year, during the Revolution's centennial celebration. The Mexican government is planning something big for the event. We will see.
