Feliz dia del la Independencia, Viva Mexico

Today Current Event Septiembre 16, 2011:

Yes to all you Mexicans you know what today is ” Viva Mexica, Viva la Independencia, Viva…” Ahh is makes you proud to be of Mexican descent when you go back through history and you hear a story that resembles that of David and Goliath, the underdog who overcomes a greater power and becomes independent.

This was the case 201 years ago. Yesterday evening Mexico’s President Felipe Calderon walked outside the National Palace balcony with his family by his side and shouted “El Grito” which start the festivities. There he stood waving the Mexican flag bold red, white,green with and eagle in the center on top of a cactus biting a serpent.

Still there was lots of caution considering the treat that the drug lords might come to ruin the festivities. Since 2006 the War on Drugslords has resulted in the death of over 41,000 death. There were many armed guards protecting the premises, streets, and president. Things went smoothly.

Here in Houston we also celebrated, mariachi,food, drinks, dress-up in traditional clothing,parades and like all Mexican we are still celebrating there is still the after, after party. Like they say “Smile be Happy and pass the Corona” Till next time!

“El Manco Garcia”

Getting close to September 15th which is Mexico’s Independence I remembered another story I heard growing up how accurate it is I’m not sure. The story begins when the Mexican War broke out and a group of rebels fought valiantly for independence against Spain. A hero rose whose favorite weapon was a whip that he used to set-up traps for his enemies.

The Spaniards expected any military tactic against them except for a whip! The speed of the whip was so fast that it could dismember the head of anyone like a guillotine. This Mexican hero was known as “El Manco Garcia”.

But on June 5th his luck ran out and while he and his men were sleeping the were attacked by General Garcia Conde. General Garcia Conde was en route to Valle de Santiago when this attack happened it is estimated that 150 of his friends and comrade were taken prisoners.

From Del Valle “El Manco Garcia” was moved to Celaya, where at that time Hidalgo was named General. “El Manco Garcia” was taken in chains to be executed. As he walked firmly with his head high the people saw their hero taken to be shot to death. After his death he was dismembered and his head was placed on a pick in Celaya.

That is how “El Manco Garcia” died for his country.

The Legend of “El Pipila”

Since September is the month of Mexico’s Independence I’ve decided to blog about some of Mexico’s legends, Myth, and Heros. This are stories that I’ve heard and grew up with and may change depending on the area or people. Once again this are stories based on actual accounts that have become legends and/or myths that have been handed down orally.

During the first battle of the Mexican War for Independence there is a legend of a modest miner from San Miguel de Allende who was working near a mineral mine in Mellando.

It is said that once Hidalgo discovered the conspiracy he united the people and arrived at Guanajuato [in the indigenous language it means ” Place of frogs”] Hidalgo’s goal was to take control over Alhondiga de Granaditas where Mayor Ria~no became strong with the help of the soilders. In his pocessions he had amny treasures which included silver bars, cas, and Real Hacienda, food allthat was geared to survive a siege.

The fight was frightful and the acts of courage and heroism happened from left to right.

In this battle, the humble man nicked named ” El Pipila” placed a piece of slab on his back, an walked and dragged himself to get to the doorstep of Alhondiga, he greased with brea and lit the door on fire. The people inside wend wild with despair and many fell dead one on top of another. Some people stood their ground and remain in the courtyard with firearms but their fight was meaningless.

If this humble man had not done this Hidalgo would not have taken over Granaditas and the luck of the unsurrection would have been another.

“El Grito” 200 years later.

(This video is in Spanish)
Many people believe that El Cinco de Mayo (May 5th) is Mexico’s Independence day. You would be wrong. Cinco de Mayo also known as La Batalla de Puebla (The day of the Battle of Puebla) commemorates the spark of the Mexicans who wanted freedom and democracy during the first years of the American Civil War where the Mexican Army’s defeated the French forces under the General Ignacio Zaragoza Seguin. It is celebrated because is was unlikely for the Mexican Army to win for various reasons. One The French Army outnumbered the Mexican Army by 2 to one (French 8,000 men to Mexico 4,000 men). Secondly the French were better equipped with the latest weaponry during that time compared to the indigenous Mexicans. Mexican’s still won even though 1 year later they were defeted and under French rule.

Which brings me to ” El Grito” (The Cry) on the church steps in the town of Dolores Hidalgo, Father Miguel Hidalgo y Castilla read the Gritto de Hidalgo (or “Call of Hidalgo”) in 1810. This is the actual day of Mexico’s Independence. This year of 2011 commemorates their bicentennial Celebration. Mexican’s worldwide will celebrate with a Fiesta!

Brief History: That day, September 16 (Diez y Seis de Septiembre), Father Hidalgo launched the Mexican War of Independence against Spain. After the declaration, Hidalgo and his followers set out to spread the word to nearby San Miguel de Allende. Hidalgo affixed an image of the Virgin of Guadalupe to a staff, bringing the Virgin to symbolize the Mexican liberation movement.

The struggle against Spain centered around the rights of the Criollos (or “Creoles”) who were born in the New World with Spanish ancestry, but not given the privilege of those born in Europe. Following the war, those born in Europe were expelled from Mexico. This War lasted about 10 years.

Another important celebration which originated in Mexico and is observed extensively in Texas is the Fiesta of the Virgin of Guadalupe, held on December 12. The important religious holiday honors Juan Diego’s sighting of the Virgin in 1531 with processions, offerings and church services.

There are many stories that circulated from this event. there are heroes,myth, and legends one of which is about “El Pipila” which I will blog in more detail later.