The celebration of Revolution Day (Día de la Revolución) in Mexico on November 20 is timed to coincide with the anniversary of the start of the Mexican Revolution in 1910, when, after magnificent celebrations of the 100th anniversary of Mexican independence, an armed uprising led by Francisco Madero began against the Diaz regime.
For many years, Mexicans lived in poverty. Only very few could afford to lead a luxurious life. Peasants' discontent grew and eventually resulted in a number of strikes across the country. In 1910, General Porfirio Diaz, who was ruling Mexico at the time, was forced to hold elections under public pressure. Loyal at first, the general, however, quickly changed his mind and imprisoned the main presidential candidate, Francisco Madero, confident that the people of Mexico were not yet ready for democracy.
When Madero was released, he continued to fight against the Diaz dictatorship. By this time, Pancho Villa and Emigliano Zapata, defenders of distressed peasants, had become famous in the provinces of Mexico. It became increasingly difficult for the general to control the situation, and in May 1911 he was forced to resign.
Madero became president, although without support from Emiliano Zapata, who did not want to wait for the approval of land reforms. In November of the same year, Zapata refused to recognize Madero's authority as president and declared himself head of the state of Morelos, from where he expelled all wealthy landowners and distributed their lands to peasants. Later, in 1919, Zapato was assassinated by Jesus Guajardo on the orders of General Pablo Gonzalez.
The short rest was again replaced by riots and looting by armed army units. Madero was sent to prison again and was soon executed. The country has plunged into chaos.
Only under the rule of President Venustiano Carranza in 1917 was the Constitution adopted, which is still in force today. Venustiano implemented the long-awaited land reform, which resulted in the creation of cooperative farms, and the land of wealthy landowners went to the peasants.
Today, Revolution Day is celebrated throughout the country as a public holiday. On this day, government agencies, schools, banks and many enterprises are closed. Ceremonial flag-raising ceremonies, speeches by the country's officials, parades, festivals, concerts and other festive events are held.