By Bill Wilson
La emisión de las ideas por la prensa debe ser tan libre, como libre es en el hombre la facultad de pensar". (The expression of ideas through the press must be as free as the faculty of thinking in man.") - Benito Juárez, President of Mexico (1806-1872)
The contributions of indigenous people and immigrants have been an integral part in the story of Mexico as a nation. Benito Juarez's birthday (A puente holiday) and St. Patrick fall on the same date this month - March 17th - and both are part of Mexico's rich and glorious history. March 21 is Benito’s actual date of birth - Mexico's first indigenous president - and March 17th, St. Patrick's Day bears remembrance of the San Patricio battalion. The San Patricios, recent US immigrants from Ireland, fought for the Mexican Army during one of the conflicts. Most of the US deserters were either killed in battle or executed when captured by US forces.
Their contributions are remembered in many ways in Mexico. Their words and ideals still live on in monuments, street, and park names. And Benito Juarez stands out as one of Mexico most famous presidents and he was an indigenous person (Zapotec) and a lawyer. During the US Civil War, he and President Lincoln forged a relationship. Sadly, both men died young and in office. Their ideal and words live on in both nations.
Weather or Whether
We have to remember the famous weather dicho, febrero loco, y marzo otro poco. Sorta like “In like a lion out like a lamb.” And this dicho bears watching as snow, hail and rain storms can suddenly happen.
As we turn to the corner to Spring (March 20) and adjust to the climatic shift to La Niña from El Niño (predicted) we’ll see our days growing longer, jacarandas in bloom and the advent of dry, hot, dusty weather.And some folks will scramble to buy mini split air conditioners, while other don shorts and soak up the sun in a swimming pool. High temperatures will range from 90-1000F (26-370C) degrees while our mornings and evenings will be pleasantly cool. And remember we are below the Tropic of Cancer and the higher elevation of San Miguel means sunburns can be dangerous.
May continues to be our hottest month here in San Miguel and June has us waiting for the first rains.
BITS AND PIECESTip of the Hat
Kudos to writer’s conference marking 20th anniversary. Special mention to new conference director Jodi Pincus and press guy Ben Widicombe. More than 1,000 people attended.
A big bravo to the “10 Minute Plays” presented at The San Miguel Playwrights Winter Showcase 2025.
A mil gracias to the highway department folks who cut back the plantings that block sight lines on some retornos.
A raspberry to same folks for not maintaining highway striping that marks lanes and crosswalks. Hard to see especially in low light conditions.
MX Fun Facts
Mexico is home to America’s first printing press. In Mexico City’s historic center lies Casa de la Primera Imprenta de America, home of the very first printing press on this side of the Atlantic. You can have a look at the machine, which is in a building that’s operated by Universidad Autónoma Metropolitana.
Volcanoes and Mythology…
In the state of Puebla is Iztla-Popo Zoquiapan National Park, a sacred place according to native stories. The main stars of this place are the Iztlaccíhuatl and Popocatépetl volcanoes, both exceeding 5000 metres (16,404 feet) in elevation.
Iztlaccíhuatl and Popocatépetl Volcanoes: Do you want to know one of Mexico’s best-kept secrets? According to the mythology of the Tlaxcala people, the volcanoes are the representation of the princess Iztaccíhuatl and the warrior Popocatépetl, who will remain together until the end of time. These mountains were considered authentic deities and servants of the rain god Tláloc. Proof of this came in the archaeological sites found in the caves where rites were performed. There’s still a group that continues to carry out some of the Náhuatl traditions. If you ever want to see these deities up close, check out this excursion to the Popocatépetl and Iztlaccíhuatl Volcanoes.
What’s Next for i3 Lectures
Next program for i3: last presentation for the year: “Sheinbaum: Implications for Democracy and US/Mexico Relations with Carlos Bravo Regidor”, on Tuesday, March 11, 2025, 5PM.
The presentation with Q&A starts at 5:00 p.m. in La Casona Event Center. Informal reception to follow, with complimentary botanas and beverages available for purchase. $15 USD ($290 pesos); $350 pesos at the door. Advance ticket sales close 24 hrs. before event start time.
Hasta el próximo mes!
Bill Wilson, 20-year San Miguel resident has a journalism career spanning 50 years covering everything the United Nations to Cub Scout news. He’s also a weather buff and first responder.
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