Mexico's Revolution Day

The early years of the 20th century were a time of great turmoil in the country's history. The day honors the bravery and sacrifice of the revolutionaries who fought for freedom and democracy. It also celebrates the progressive ideas of freedom, social justice and equal opportunity.

It should be noted that since 2006, Mexico’s Revolution Day is one of a few public holidays that’s been folded into a series of designated long weekends. Revolution Day is observed on the third Monday in November regardless of what day the 20th falls on. This year, that third Monday is November 18.

Outdoor events are part of the Revolution Day celebrations. Stories are told or sung about the revolutionary heroes (including Pancho Villa) who helped to reform Mexico by unseating a dictator who had remained in power for more than 30 years.

While Revolution Day is commemorated with much fanfare in Mexico City, colonial-era cities throughout the nation, including San Jose del Cabo, organize tributes and celebrations.

• Parades: Parades take place in cities and towns across Mexico, including a major parade in Mexico City's Zocalo district. Children often dress up as revolutionaries to participate in local parades.
• Festivals: Outdoor festivals feature bazaars, craft fairs, and costume contests.
• Reenactments: Community members dress up in Revolutionary-era costumes and reenact historic events. People sing songs inspired by Revolutionary heroes and shout "Viva la Revolución!" and "Viva Mexico!" Official ceremonies and speeches take place.
• Food: Traditional foods like tacos, enchiladas, tostadas, fajitas and tamales are prepared. Mexican candies and cookies are also part of the festivities.

Disagreements continue to this day on the significance of the events that culminated in the revolution.

What is known is that the Constitution created in response to the revolution established limits on the period of time politicians could be in power. The Constitution also included labor reform laws that instituted eight-hour workdays, abolished child labor and established equal pay. What is also known is that the revolution drove approximately one million legal migrants to enter the U.S.
While few Mexicans question the importance of the birth of an independent nation after three centuries of repressive rule under the Spanish, the 1910-1917 period of conflict, which later resulted in the death of several of the revolution’s better-known heroes, was complex and to a certain extent inconclusive.

What no one disputes is the fact that the Revolution Day holiday is closely tied to an event known as El Buen Fin (“the good weekend”), when retailers and travel companies across the nation join in a promotional extravaganza offering discounts and other savings. It emulates the U.S. shopping tradition of Black Friday, when stores begin their holiday season sales the day after Thanksgiving. First introduced in 2011, the initiative has become a de facto annual shopping event in Mexico.