Revolution Day was on Thursday. As with all things annual and important, San Miguel de Allende celebrated with a parade.
Now, you would think that a parade that celebrates the Revolution of 1910, which finally freed Mexico from the oppressive rule of Porfirio Diaz, would be thick with militarism — squads of soldiers, combatants in arms, cannons, tanks, uniformly dressed squads marching in precision to martial cadences.
But it wasn’t.
Mexico long ago decided that the day which marks the beginning of its freedom would be one to look forward, not glorify its combative past.
Therefore, the Revolution Day Parade is filled with well-choreographed schoolchildren waving red, green, and white banners; some in period costumes and cheerleader outfits, school uniforms, and sports gear. There are the Bomberos fire and rescue units, the Red Cross, beauty queens, horsemen, and horsewomen.
And at the very back, the unsung heroes — the red-suited Limpia Squad, armed with brooms and buckets sweeping up all the litter, confetti, and horse droppings — no trash left behind.
As I watched these bright and beautiful children and the many, many parents and teachers who accompanied them, the thought occurred to me, Mexico contains multitudes — the best of it on display in Thursday’s parade.
(Click on any picture to expand it.)
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Musings, Magic, San Miguel and More 
I thought the War of Independence (1810) freed Mexico from foreign claws
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You are so right! Thank you. I’ll fix it right away.
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thank you so much for this. The thoughts and the photos. I’m always struck during parades how the facial expressions reflect such dignity and solemnity and power. In contrast to what I usually see on the faces of people in the street–gentle smiles and laughter or focus on the thing at hand. During parades something else shines through. I really appreciate the photos that let me have another look.
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