“La Adelita” Present at the November 20 Ceremony at the Consulate of Mexico in Brownsville, TX

On November 20, in commemoration of the Mexican Revolution, the Consulate of Mexico in Brownsville, Texas, held a special ceremony that brought together authorities, community leaders, and distinguished members of the Mexican diaspora.

At this event, the Consulate extended a very special invitation to Dr. Gustavo Leal Cueva, president of Los Amigos de La Adelita, to share a historical reflection on the role of women in the Mexican Revolution, using the life and legacy of Adela Velarde Pérez—the woman who inspired the Revolution’s most iconic corrido, La Adelita—as the central narrative focus.

A Presentation to Recover Historical Truth

Gustavo’s participation focused on reclaiming Adela’s figure through a documentary and humanistic lens, emphasizing that her true story has been obscured for decades by myth and romanticized interpretations.

During the talk, he highlighted that Adela was not a soldadera, as is commonly believed, but rather a nurse in the Cruz Blanca Constitucionalista: a young girl of only 13 years old who left the comfort of her home to join the revolutionary movement out of conviction and service.Her work consisted of caring for the wounded, organizing medical supplies, and offering comfort during the most difficult moments of the conflict.

Gustavo presented excerpts from historical documents, photographs, and the well-known letter in which Adela demands a dignified pension in her old age. This document, he noted, allows us to see the real woman: strong, aware of her role in history, and determined to defend her dignity.

Dr. Gustavo Leal Cueva hablando sobre la investigación documental que se ha realizado sobre Adela Velarde Pérez.

First Pieces of the Museum Exhibition

Before an audience of more than 140 attendees, Dr. Leal presented the first pieces of the upcoming traveling museum exhibition on La Adelita. The materials drew great interest and were highly appreciated by those present.

An Event Marked by the Presentation of the Ohtli Award

In addition to the conference, the ceremony included a moment of great relevance for the Mexican community: the presentation of the Ohtli Award, one of the most important recognitions granted by the Government of Mexico in the United States.

This year, the award was bestowed upon attorney Jaime Díez, in recognition of his career and his invaluable service in defending and supporting the Mexican community along the border. His example of commitment deeply resonated with attendees and gave the event an atmosphere of honor and solemnity.

A Tribute to the Legacy of Dr. Alberto Galindo Galindo (RIP)

The presentation—and a significant portion of the historical reconstruction shared at the Consulate—is based on the rigorous research of Dr. Alberto Galindo Galindo, scholar, historian, and one of the foremost experts on the life of Adela Velarde.

Dr. Galindo—may he rest in peace—dedicated decades to gathering documents, testimonies, and archival material that now allow us to clearly understand the true history of La Adelita. His academic legacy forms the foundation of our current work, and it is thanks to his efforts that Adela’s story can now be seen with the dignity and historical precision it deserves.

Los Amigos de La Adelita honor and acknowledge his invaluable contribution.

A Commitment That Continues

The invitation from the Consulate of Brownsville not only provided a space to share the life of Adela Velarde; it also reaffirmed the importance of preserving our historical memory and recognizing the essential role women played in the making of Mexico.

Events like this remind us that the Revolution was not written solely with rifles and proclamations, but also with hands that healed, voices that encouraged, and convictions that—like Adela’s—remained firm throughout a lifetime.

At Los Amigos de La Adelita, we will continue working to keep her story alive and to ensure that the figure of Adela Velarde Pérez occupies the rightful place she deserves in the national memory.

Acknowledgment

A very special thank-you to the Consulate of Brownsville—particularly Consul Minister Judith Arrieta Munguía, Consul José Luis Díaz Mirón, and Diana González—for this invitation and for fostering spaces where history and memory remain alive through dialogue and community participation.