Happy Cinco de Mayo

Have a Paloma while reading about a true Masonic hero

Today marks the Mexican Army’s victory over the French at the Battle of Puebla on May 5, 1862.

Contrary to what many in the United States believe, it is not Mexico’s Independence Day. In fact, my Mexican relatives assure me that it is a much bigger holiday here in the US than it is in Mexico.

That’s OK, because it gives us a perfect opportunity to learn about the life of one of the greatest Freemasons who has ever lived, Benito Juarez.

Benito Juarez Memorial, Alameda Park, Mexico City. Photo by: Nahid Sultan CC3.0

First, let us mix up a Paloma. It is undoubtedly the finest cocktail to enjoy while lounging on a sunny Mexican beach. You can learn how to make one, from fancy to plain, even a street legal stealth version right here:

The Paloma from The Spirits

Alas for me though, I find the simplest to be the best. A mid range reposado tequila, make it a double, mixed with half a can or so of Squirt. Can’t be beat.

Then imagine yourself (this is why we need the street legal stealth version of our Paloma) sitting right on the steps of the monument to Benito Juarez pictured above. Imagine it’s a beautiful sunny day, maybe around 70F. I’ve done just that, and it is quite spectacular with the beautiful Alameda Park to your back, and the rush of the immense city to your front. An oasis of peace amidst the chaos.

Now that we are all nice and comfortable, let’s read about Benito Juarez. His life, his Masonry, his continual struggles, and his eventual victory.

An excellent, yet short, biography from 1918 can be found here:

Don Benito Juarez, Father Of The Mexican Constitution

This biography was originally published in a Masonic Periodical before being wrapped up into the author’s larger work exploring the Mexican Revolution from a Masonic perspective.

If you enjoy it, the entire book is online, in a number of formats:

Highlights of the Mexican Revolution by John McLeish

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This post is different in timing and content from what is standard here on Emeth, but I think it is important that we, as members of a Fraternity that is worldwide in scope, have an opportunity to learn, just a bit, about Freemasonry outside of the English speaking world.

Thank you, to all of you, my readers, for indulging me on this little flight of fancy.

I’ve always found the history of our Ancient Craft in Mexico to be fascinating, and I hope that you enjoyed this little taste of it.

If you did, might I ask that you share this post, along with your recommendation of Emeth?