Today is Feb. 4 and a holiday in Mexico. Today’s holiday celebrates the declaration of the country’s Magna Carta. The constitution was declared in 1917, seven years after the outbreak of the Mexican Revolution. The Revolution itself would continue for a couple more decades but the declaration of this constitution marked a turning point in political and social attitudes.
The proclaimed Constitution of 1917 was rather progressive and reformative for its time:
- It addressed the needs of the poor and the working class.
- It provided the right to strike and the right to organise.
- It set limits on working hours.
- Article 27 guaranteed that only Mexico and its citizens could own the natural resources above and below Mexican land.
- It promised land reform.
Unfortunately, the 1917 Constitution was mainly ignored by then President Carranza and not properly implemented. However, the constitution was a starting point and it was eventually implemented and remains in force today (amendments have been included over the years).
Please head over to Pulse Mexico to read Thérèse Margolis’ article on the significance of this little known Mexican holiday.
via Mexico’s (Almost) Forgotten Holiday
it is good to know. I wonder if the Politicians in Mexico know that they have a constitution.
Haha. I suppose it’s like politicians everywhere… remembered and used when most convenient 😉
The ailment of politics is the use of convenience.
Great post ðŸ˜
Thanks!