English Maestra: November 20th---A National Holiday

November 20th is a national holiday in Mexico. They celebrate the Mexican Revolution of 1910 when Francisco Madero denounced Porfirio Diaz, who was the President at that time, and declared himself to be President, and called for a national insurrection. Land had been taken away from the poor and given to the rich who controlled everything in the country. Short of giving you a complete course in Mexican history, I will mention Pancho Villa, who was in the north, and Emiliano Zapata, in the south, took control of their areas. President Diaz was unable to control them and finally resigned and Madero declared himself to be President.

Schools and government agencies are closed to celebrate the holiday. This year (and I don't know the reason why) the schools were closed on Monday, Nov. 19. So on Tuesday the 20th, the school that Rosario's kids attend had a parade and got out early! Below are some pictures of the school parade and the school.

Tlaquepaque is the name of the suburb where Rosario and her family live, so the school is the "Educational Center of Tlaquepaque".

The school is preschool through grade 6. The preschoolers and kindergartners rode in pick-up trucks for the parade!

The older students walked, following the flag, and playing tambourines. Everyone had balloons with the school name and the date on them.

We waited inside the school for the students to be released. As you can see, it is a very pretty school.

It is not a large school and although you can see some playground equipment for the younger students, there is no where for the older ones to play---no soccer field, no place to run and play.

The students learn English in the school but are very reluctant to speak it. Actually I have noticed that everyone in Mexico who studies English says that they need to practice speaking it but are very, very hesitant to do so. I encourage them to be brave, like my speaking Spanish, and just plunge right in and make mistakes! I certainly make many, many mistakes when I speak Spanish but they can understand me and that is the important thing!