Within a couple weeks, the nation of Mexico and many large Hispanic communities in the United States will be celebrating the biggest holiday in Mexican culture alongside Cinco de Mayo. September 16 marks the day that the nation of Mexico won their independence from the nation of Spain in 1810 after centuries of the European colonial powerhouse’s rule. The history of Mexico is truly a fascinating tale spanning 5 centuries of significant historical documentation and is a history’s lovers paradise. That tale ranges from the Spanish conquest of the reigning dominant Aztec and Mayan civilizations to Independence, and from the Revolution of 1910 all the way to Mexico’s place as an international economic power despite its challenges from the Narco-Terrorism of the Mexican drug cartels. It is a tale of drama, intrigue, vision, and violence, amidst an exotic landscape with a natural resource portfolio rivaled only by the United States and a few other nations.
The impact of Mexican culture on the United States is very significant from the food, music, fiestas and arts. The month of September is typically celebrated as Hispanic heritage month, though there have been recent conversations along social and political circles about reigning in the emphasis on month long themed celebrations for specific ethnic groups. Nevertheless, the month of September’s designation, is significantly swayed by the famous national Mexican holiday along with Mexican Americans being the largest specific Hispanic group in the United States.
There is an interesting degree of commonality between the American tale of Independence from a European power in Great Britain and Mexico’s struggle for independence against Spain. The nativism and localism that inspired both Mexicans and Americans to revolt against the two major colonial European powerhouses have inspired a national pride in both the United States and Mexico that lives today. Even after the United States won independence, the War of 1812 was fought in retaliation to a British Invasion on American soil motivated by England’s refusal to surrender what they saw as colonies that still belonged to them. The United States was again victorious and cemented their national sovereignty in the eyes of the world. Mexico has their own form of foreign invasion by the French led by the Emperor Maximillian in the 1860’s, but also defeated a foreign invasion led by a national folk hero, Benito Juarez.
Ultimately, as the United States’s most consequential and important economic and trading partner south of the Border and in all of Latin America, it is helpful to be mindful of the things that are important to Mexico. The current challenges Mexico faces, most notably the presence and influence of the Drug Cartels is an area of great concern to many Americans and one that be combatted more effectively with an increased cultural understanding between both nations.
As a child growing up, I recall many trips with my parents as we visited relatives in the state of Coahuila, Mexico. Those trips were special and fun and created a deep connection between me and the nation of my ancestors. Though years have passed and those trips have become less frequent, the memories of great music, incredible flavors, and an old-world atmosphere that encompass many Mexican towns, still remains etched inside my heart.