La patria es primero. Si te piden la vida, dala por tu patria sin dudar./The homeland comes first. If they ask for your life, give it for your homeland without hesitation.”
Ignacio Jose de Allende y Unzaga (1769-1811)
Ignacio Jose De Allende was born in a house across the street from the Parroquia de San Miguel Arcangel, and the name of his hometown reflects both the importance of the saint and this hero of the Mexico Revolution. While serving as a captain in the Army, Allende became enamored with the dream of independence from Spain.
In 1810, Allende was invited to plot the pathway to independence with a small group of conspiradores in Santiago de Queretaro, where he met Father Miguel Hildalgo y Costilla (1753-1811). A priest in Dolores, Father Hidalgo delivered a rallying cry of revolt against King Ferdinand VII (1784-1833) in Dolores on September 16, 1810, Diez y Seis de Septiembre.
Diez y Seis is celebrated throughout the country as Mexican Independence Day, and while we were in San Miguel this past week preparations were underway. Crews were mounting patriotic flags and banners everywhere, with an image of Allende himself lording over the street in front of his former home.
The town seemed so quiet, but mariachi troupes and vendors stand at the ready for the explosion of visitors arriving this weekend to launch the commemorations and fiestas. The season during which poblano chiles, walnuts and pomegranates are all at their peak inspired nuns in Puebla to create a dish reflecting the colors of the Mexican flag – picadillo-filled chiles en nogada.
Though I may die, I shall be remembered forever. You all will soon be forgotten.”
Father Miguel Hidalgo’s words to his executioners, July 30, 1811
Allende was executed by a firing squad on June 26, 1811, in Chihuahua, with Hidalgo meeting the same fate four days later in Durango. The severed heads of both were delivered to the Alhondiga de Granaditas in Guanajuato, where they were displayed on pikes on the buildings’ corners as a warning to insurrectionists.
Their deaths proved inspirational. The rebellion they helped foment finally met with success 11 years later. Although achieving independence from a colonial power overseas would prove far easier than navigating through political turmoil at home.
Back in Austin, we’ll miss all the fireworks and celebrations. Viva Mexico!