Every November, Mexico commemorates one of the most important events in its modern history: the Mexican Revolution. Recognized as taking place originally on November 20th, in 2026 it is observed on Monday, November 16th. Revolution Day (Día de la Revolución Mexicana) marks the beginning of the armed movement that transformed Mexico politically and socially in the early 20th century.
How the Mexican Revolution Began
By 1910, Porfirio Díaz had dominated Mexican politics for more than three decades. Although Mexico experienced economic growth during the Porfiriato, wealth and land were concentrated among a relatively small portion of the population, while political opposition was restricted and many workers and rural communities faced difficult conditions.
After Díaz was reelected in 1910, opposition leader Francisco I. Madero issued the Plan de San Luis, calling on Mexicans to rise up against the government beginning on November 20, 1910. Armed uprisings followed in different parts of the country, launching what became the Mexican Revolution.
The conflict soon grew far beyond Madero’s original movement. Revolutionary leaders including Emiliano Zapata, Francisco “Pancho” Villa, Pascual Orozco and Venustiano Carranza represented different regions, groups and visions for Mexico’s future. Among the major issues were democratic government, land reform, workers’ rights and greater social and economic equality.
Important Dates
October 5, 1910: Madero issued the Plan de San Luis, rejecting the election results and calling for an uprising.
November 20, 1910: The date designated for the armed uprising and now commemorated as the beginning of the Mexican Revolution.
May 1911: Revolutionary forces captured Ciudad Juárez, and Díaz subsequently resigned the presidency.
1913: Madero was overthrown and killed during a military coup, and the revolutionary struggle continued.
February 5, 1917: Mexico’s new Constitution was promulgated. The Constitution of 1917, which remains the foundation of Mexico’s present-day constitution, incorporated important principles concerning land, education and workers’ rights.
How Mexico Celebrates Today
Today, Mexican Revolution Day is commemorated throughout Mexico with civic and athletic parades, school activities, ceremonies and historical reenactments. Participants often dress as famous revolutionary figures, revolucionarios and adelitas, the women whose many roles during the Revolution included serving as soldiers, nurses, cooks, messengers and supporters of revolutionary forces.
Revolution Day in Puerto Morelos
Here in Puerto Morelos, Revolution Day is traditionally marked with community civic-sports parades, with local schools, athletes, community groups and municipal organizations taking part. Students often perform dances, gymnastics and athletic routines as families gather along the route to watch.
In 2025, approximately 3,000 people participated in the Puerto Morelos parade, with another 2,000 participating in the celebration in nearby Leona Vicario. Similar festivities in 2024 included around 30 contingents of children, teens, municipal employees and older adults.
In 2026, the parade should take place on Monday, November 16th around 8am. It typically starts near the library and continues down Zetina Gasca towards the palacio municipal (municipal building). If you’re visiting Puerto Morelos in mid November, keep an eye out for announcements about any changes to the schedule for the year’s parade and festivities. It’s a wonderful opportunity to experience a celebration that combines Mexican history, community pride and local tradition.
Want to learn more about the Mexican Revolution? Explore the history, people, and events that shaped the Revolution through Mexico’s National Institute of Historical Studies of the Revolutions of Mexico (INEHRM).
