20 November Mexico: The Legacy of Mexican Revolution

Mariana
Vibe Adventures
Published in
6 min readJan 25, 2024
Revolution Monument, Mexico City (CDMX)
Revolution Monument, Mexico City (CDMX)

Have you ever wondered why November 20 is special in Mexico? Are you interested in learning about the Mexican Revolution? Excited to join in the fun celebrations? Thinking about visiting Mexico in November? Well, get ready for some exciting news!

Let’s explore why November 20 is a big deal in Mexico and learn about the fascinating history of the Mexican Revolution. We’ll also discover the best places to enjoy the festivities. So, buckle up, and let’s dive into the adventure!

November 20 Mexico: A Historic Milestone

The Mexican Revolution, a big fight that started in 1910 because a lot of people were unhappy with how Porfirio Díaz ruled, is still talked about a lot in Mexico today.

This huge event caused a big war that changed how things were done in Mexico, both in how people lived and in how the country was run.

This war was a big deal and changed a lot of things in Mexico. It wasn’t just about fighting — it also made people think differently about how the country should be run and how everyone should be treated. The Mexican Revolution had a really big impact on Mexico, and people still talk about it a lot today.

Postcard or print of a photo taken during the Mexican Revolution
Postcard or print of a photo taken during the Mexican Revolution

A Glimpse into the Mexican Revolution

Imagine this: In 1910, there was a guy named Francisco Madero who strongly believed in making things fair and giving people more freedom. He got a lot of people excited and they all came together to protest on November 20.

When the ruler, Díaz, left in 1911, Madero became the president, but it wasn’t easy. Some people didn’t like the changes he wanted, and there were also uprisings by farmers who wanted things to be better for them.

So, Francisco Madero tried to make things better after Díaz left, but it was tough. Some people still wanted things to stay the same, and farmers were also fighting for their rights. It was a time of big changes and a lot of disagreements in Mexico.

Francisco I. Madero Monument at the Palace of Fine Arts
Francisco I. Madero Monument at the Palace of Fine Arts

Emblematic Figures and Revolutionary Ideals

Now, let’s talk about some important people in this story. Up in the north, you had people like Pascual Orozco and Pancho Villa, and down south, there was Emiliano Zapata.

These guys weren’t just looking to change who was in charge; they wanted big changes in how land was owned and used. Things got even tougher after Madero was killed in 1913, and Mexico had a hard time with politics until Venustiano Carranza took over. He made a new set of rules for the country in 1917, and this helped set up how Mexico works today.

So, there were some really important people involved in this whole situation. They weren’t just fighting for new leaders; they wanted to change how land was divided up and used. After Madero was killed, things got even more complicated, but eventually, Carranza came in and made some new rules that helped shape Mexico into what it is today.

Francisco “Pancho” Villa (1877–1923), Mexican Revolutionary General
Francisco “Pancho” Villa (1877–1923), Mexican Revolutionary General

Unearthing Fascinating Revolution Anecdotes

Get ready to hear some really exciting stories about the Mexican Revolution!

  • Trotsky and Kahlo’s Encounter: In 1937, a guy named Leon Trotsky, who was kicked out of his country, came to Mexico for safety. And guess who welcomed him? None other than the famous artist Frida Kahlo! She was passionate about making big changes, so much so that she changed her birth certificate to make it seem like she was born right when the Mexican Revolution started.
  • Unsung Heroines: Let me introduce you to the Adelitas. They were the brave women of the Mexican Revolution who joined their partners, brothers, or dads in the fight. They played a really important role, helping out with important stuff like making sure everything ran smoothly for the revolutionaries.
  • Zapata’s Doppelgänger: Emiliano Zapata, a key figure in the Mexican Revolution, had a guy who looked just like him! This double would go to public events in his place. And when Zapata passed away, they recognized him by a special mark, a mole near his eye.
  • Lens on History: Let’s talk about Agustín Víctor Casasola. He was a photographer during the Mexican Revolution who took pictures that showed what life was really like back then. His photos help us understand how things were during those tough times.
Adelitas’ in the November 20th commemorative parade
‘Adelitas’ in the November 20th commemorative parade

Start a Revolutionary Quest

Ready to discover the essence of the Mexican Revolution? Here are some must-visit destinations:

Monument to the Revolution: You should check out this really big monument that shows how brave Mexico was during the revolution. Inside, there’s a museum with old stuff and papers from that time. And when you’re done, go up to the café and enjoy the amazing view of Mexico City!

Finca Don Porfirio: Coffee Shop: Treat yourself to a cup of coffee at this cute café that feels like it’s from the time of the Mexican Revolution. There are a few of them around, but one across from the Palace of Fine Arts is really special. Plus, you’ll get to enjoy some amazing views!

Canteen La Ópera: Visit this famous place that feels like you’ve gone back in time to a café in Paris. It’s decorated with fancy Art Nouveau stuff. Have a drink there and imagine the important people who used to hang out there, like Porfirio Díaz and other big names from the revolution.

The Historic Opera Bar in the Historic Center Of Mexico City
The Historic Opera Bar in the Historic Center of Mexico City

Revolutionary Havens Across Mexico:

  • Chihuahua: Explore the exciting history of Chihuahua, where really important things happened that changed Mexico forever.
  • Cuernavaca: Follow where Emiliano Zapata went and visit places like the old Hotel Moctezuma and the Museum of the Hacienda de San Juan Chinameca to learn more about him.
  • Puebla: Learn about the city’s history of revolution, where the Serdan brothers made plans to fight against Porfirio Díaz, which started a big rebellion.
  • Queretaro: Take a walk around the Theater of the Republic, where Mexico’s constitution was announced, and soak in the city’s history of revolution.
Queretaro streets are full of tradition, colors, and Mexican history
Queretaro streets are full of tradition, colors, and Mexican history

In Conclusion

November 20 in Mexico is more than just a regular day; it’s full of exciting stories about bravery, strength, and change. Whether you love learning about history, exploring new things, or enjoying different cultures, there’s something for everyone to discover about Mexico’s revolutionary past.

If you’re someone who enjoys learning about the past, November 20 in Mexico offers a treasure trove of tales to explore. From heroic acts of courage to moments of resilience in the face of adversity, every story adds to the rich tapestry of Mexico’s history. It’s a chance to delve into the past and uncover the incredible events that shaped the nation.

For those with a thirst for adventure, November 20 in Mexico is an opportunity to dive into the heart of the country’s revolutionary spirit. Whether you’re visiting historical sites, exploring museums, or immersing yourself in local culture, there’s no shortage of excitement and discovery. So, grab your sense of adventure and get ready to witness history come alive in Mexico!

Informative Video

20 November Mexico: Explaining Mexican Revolution Day

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Mariana
Vibe Adventures

Hey there! I love writing about travel-related stuff. Also, I'm really into rock music, indie films, history books, and painting. 💚