THE HISTORY BEHIND MEXICO'S D
Today, Día de la Constitución (Constitution Day, held on February 5) is celebrated across Mexico mainly as a day off from school and work, when the entire family can enjoy a relaxing day at home or sometimes even a 3-day weekend. In addition to being a Mexican holiday, the Día de la Constitución is also steeped in fascinating history intertwined with Mexico's ever-increasing social freedoms.
Día de la Constitución celebrates not one, but two constitutional signings in Mexico's more recent history. The first of these constitutions was signed on February 5, 1857 (the second constitution in Mexico's history), with many reforms to Mexican law. Created shortly after Santa Anna's dictatorship was overthrown, the 1857 constitution reaffirmed the rights of Mexican citizens, such as the right to bear arms, freedom of assembly and freedom of speech. It also removed the death penalty and prohibited titles of nobility. The Catholic Church, a powerful influence in Mexico, was restricted in terms of land holdings and education, moving the country closer to separation of church and state.
The social reforms from the 1857 constitution weren't enough, however. After more than 30 years with Porfirio Díaz as President of Mexico, the country felt a need for change. Famous Mexican heroes like Francisco I Madero, Pancho Villa and Emiliano Zapata led a rebellion against Porfirio Díaz that became known as the Mexican Revolution. On February 5, 1917 (the anniversary of the signing of the 1857 constitution), the leaders of the Mexican Revolution spearheaded the signing of a new constitution by the Constitutional Congress.
The 1917 constitution made sure to include a new law that Mexican presidents could only serve for one 6-year term, without the possibility of reelection. This would eliminate the risk of having a near-dictatorship with 30-year presidencies like the country had experienced under the leadership of President Porfirio Díaz.
February 5 marks the anniversary of 2 fascinating times in Mexico's colorful history, reminding the people of their hard-fought freedoms they have earned over the past centuries. On Día de la Constitución, take a moment to remember the heroes and liberties of Mexico.