 On The Line -- Issue 601 -- September 22, 2006  Online News and Views of Life in San Benito County with Herman Wrede Published by HollisterOnline.com -- Copyright 1995-2008 HollisterOnline.com
|
|
On The Line -- Issue 601 -- September 22, 2006 Online News and Views of Life in San Benito County with Herman Wrede Published by HollisterOnline.com -- Copyright 1995-2008 HollisterOnline.com
|
|
Mexico has a history of rich cultural diversity. Its story has often been violent and sometimes tragic. But its sons and daughters flourish despite centuries of oppression and unrest through their courage and faith.
Centuries before the Spaniards arrived in search of gold and land, the native Mexicans prospered under their tribal systems. Some tribes like the Aztecs became mighty empires in pre-Colombian Mexico. They had highly disciplined governments, studied astronomy and made astonishing advances in medicine and surgery. Castes were rigid but everyone, from the king down to the lowest peasant, had his ordained place in the scheme of things. Harsh weather, crop failures and the knowledge among the peasants that they were subject to human sacrifice to please the gods made it far from a Utopia. With the coming of the conquistadors early in the 16th Century Mexican history entered a new phase, one that was often bloody. In addition to the Spaniards' desires, the conquered Indians adopted the new religion. But the arrogant approach to the people by their conquerors implanted seeds of resentment that grew through the generations. If you were an Indian, you could not legally ride horses, your back-breaking work in the fields resulted in a very small share of the crops your landlord demanded, and, perhaps worst of all, the overlords looked upon you as subhuman. Many of the common people revolted but those uprisings were soon quelled by the organized military might of the conquerors. Systematic torture of the rebels and hangings kept the main populace in check. Then early in the morning of Sept. 16, 1810 a devastating change began. Father Miguel Hidalgo, priest of the small community of Dolores, received a visitor with an urgent message. A revolt that had been planned for that December had been discovered. The priest immediately decided what should be done. He sounded the church bell and the parishioners dutifully gathered. Bur rather than another sermon bearing one's lot meekly, he issued a cry of rebellion. "End this ungodly oppression now," he thundered. "Rise up and drive the Spaniards from Mexico. Take revenge for the centuries of cruelty they have inflicted upon you. Mexico is yours, not theirs. Reclaim it!" The parishioners needed no further reason. They went to their homes, to the fields and armed themselves with machetes, sickles and clubs, and sought out their Spanish overlords. Even with artillery and an organized army the Spaniards were unable to put down the wrath and resentment of three centuries. Thousands of people on both sides were killed and the war of independence went on for a decade. But when it had ended, a new nation had emerged. The following decades saw much conflict by leaders who found themselves at odds with each other but Mexico endured it intact. An attempt to make Mexico a colony of the Habsburg Empire was quelled in the 1860s. Since then, Mexico has had many problems including attempts for agrarian reform, a revolt against the Church, and exploitation by foreign countries that reckoned not the desire of the people to be free in their quest for its rich resources. But the cry of revolt nearly two centuries ago remains a beacon to people who cherish a freedom that was denied them for generations until they rose up and seized it through their own valor and endurance. Every native Mexican and the descendants of those who settled in other lands honor Sept. 16 as the day of Independence, and celebrate it with time-honored traditions that include reenactments, music, food and parades. In Hollister, the day is traditionally held at the Sunday nearest it. A parade goes down San Benito Street in the morning, and vaqueros, charros and other horsemen move along to cheers from spectators lining both sides of the street. Robert Gonzales, a man who has worked tirelessly for the benefit of Hispanic people in the county, and who exemplifies the positive part of Mexican-Americans have made to the community, was grand marshal. Riding in a car were Judge Steve Sanders and wife Fran Taluban. They were cheered with zest because of their nature of goodwill to all people, and each acknowledged the applause by waving and smiling, particularly at good friends. Robert Scattini, who is mayor of Hollister and marshal of San Benito County, also waved and greeted spectators from a car driven by Sonny Flores. The car right behind his carried Eugenia Sanchez, president of the Hollister School Board, who is opposing Scattini for the City Council's District 2 seat in the Nov. 7 election. Musicians played as they marched along, and a group of young people dressed as pre-Colombian Indians performed ritualistic dances to the cheers of everyone. Floats, cars and riders carried the Mexican and American flags. After the parade, participants and spectators gathered on the grounds adjoining Sacred Heart Church. A stage had been set up for musicians, dancers and other performers with many bales of hay for seats placed nearby. With the music and speeches for a background, booths sold typical Mexican food, with some dispensing tri-tip sandwiches and corn dogs. Children immediately gravitated to the bounce house that had been rented for the day. Hundreds upon hundreds crowded into the area, and many were grateful for the shaded tables and chairs provided because the temperature was high. There they talked while they ate, some of the older ones about life in the Mexico they had known as youngsters, and others about family affairs and local gossip. Hollister and, indeed, all of San Benito County are richer for the contributions made by those with roots in Mexico. Families from the Gonzalezes and Ruizes to the Agredanos,. Lunas and Sanchezes have left an indelible mark in our local history as have other descendants of Mexico throughout the nation Whether or not one's ancestors came from Mexico, Sept. 16 is celebrated by all those of good will because it is a day in which one people reached out for and clung to freedom, crucial to any nation's dignity. |
 |
