Las Adelitas

A popular novel written by Mariano Azuela in 1915, called “Los de Abajo” (The Underdogs), highlights the many revolutionaries who contributed to the Mexican Revolution in 1910, but who did not receive the same recognition as other praised soldiers such as Pancho Villa and Emiliano Zapata. However, among these brave soldiers who helped carry into fruition the Mexican Revolution, ending the dictatorship of Porfirio Díaz, was a group of women called the Adelitas. They often dressed as men in order to help fight, as women were frequently prevented from serving in a military capacity. As the present Mexico of today still benefits from their blood, sweat, and tears, I want to carry a symbol of them in these handmade Mexican huaraches, as a reminder of their historical achievements and contributions to human rights. Although the Mexican revolution already realized its purpose in the early 20th century, let’s consider Adelitas the preceding female leaders of Mexico, and women all around the world, who are warriors for progress and positive change in their communities, whether it’s fighting in battle, helping their local economy,  promoting legislation, or teaching or raising the next hero.