Pictured above from left to right, Allende, Hidalgo, Madero, Villa, Zapata and Herrera.

As an emerging young artist with autism, I like finding creative ways to connect with history and culture. As Mexican Independence Day approaches, I’ve made sets of historical bookmarks with their stories on the back. Ignacio Allende and Father Miguel Hidalgo y Costilla, were two of Mexico’s most iconic heroes. Since I live part-time in San Miguel de Allende, the hometown of Ignacio Allende, it felt extra special to bring his story to life through art. 

In 1810, Father Hidalgo delivered the famous Grito de Dolores, calling people to rise against Spanish rule. By his side was Ignacio Allende, a brilliant military leader from San Miguel. His home sits directly on our town zocalo beside the Parroquia church and is now a museum. The courage of these two leaders helped spark the war that led to Mexico’s independence (1810–1821).

Every year on September 16th, Mexico’s President reenacts Hidalgo’s Grito in Mexico City. It’s exciting that this year Claudia Sheinbaum, Mexico’s first female President, will be leading the “Grito de Independencia” for the very first time. Across the country, people cheer “¡Viva México!” with fireworks and traditional foods like tamales or chiles en nogada. Poblano chiles are stuffed with picadillo (a mix of beef, pork, fruit, and spices), then topped with creamy walnut sauce, pomegranate seeds, and parsley. Together this represents the colors of the Mexican flag. There are lively festivities and in San Miguel our streets are already filled with flags and decorations, a reminder of the city’s role in history.

About a century later, the Mexican Revolution took place between 1910 and 1920, lasting for a decade. A very different struggle this time, not against Spain but against dictatorship and social inequality. Its unforgettable leaders included Francisco Madero, who championed democracy, Pancho Villa, the daring general of the north, Emiliano Zapata, who fought for land reform in the south; and Petra Herrera, a legendary soldadera who commanded troops in battle. While Independence Day marks freedom from colonial rule, the Revolution is remembered for transforming the nation from within, giving voice to farmers, workers, and communities seeking justice.

For me, these bookmarks are more than an art project but a way to connect creativity with history and the place I’m lucky to call home. I’m grateful that our public library, La Biblioteca Pública in San Miguel, sells them in their gift shop, Tesoros and in San Diego at Centro Cultural de la Raza shop. Hoping art can be used to mark history, something we remember and share.