José Doroteo Arango Arámbula akaFrancisco "Pancho" Villa (5 June 1878 – 20 July 1923) was one of the most prominent Mexican revolutionary generals of his time and continues to be one of the most iconic images of the revolution and anti-dictatorship. Many legends surround his storied past as the leader of the Villistas including surviving death by firing squad and escape from jail for his crimes. Later in life, President Wilson sent a search party of 5,000 US soldiers to track Villa down, but Villa was never found. To this day, his murder is shrouded in mystery with many conspiracy theories. His image and story remains alive through those who still swear they road with El Gran Pancho Villa.
Anyone in your family brag about knowing him? Órale, let us know in the comments.
Pancho Villa: The Centaur of the North
Assassination of Pancho Villa: The Conspiracy Theory
Mario Moreno (August 12, 1911 – April 20, 1993), better known as Cantiflas was a comedic actor, producer screen-writer and overall entertainer who inspired a people with his innovative, lighthearted, yet insightful material. He usually portrayed poor campesinos, or peasants, who was canijo, quick-witted, big-hearted and full of ambition. As a pioneer of Mexican Cinema, Cantinflas' character became associated with the identity of the impoverished people and represented a light of hope as his character, despite many odds against him, succeeded in comedic fashion. His star on the Hollywood Walk of Fame is a reminder of his widespread impact into Hollywood. #QueViva Cantinflas!
Check out the trailer to the self-titled biographical drama, Cantinflas released September 2014.
For our more advanced Spanish-speakers, admire his genius in his speech "Si yo fuera diputado"
The most iconic eyebrows ever, Frida Kahlo (July 6, 1907 – July 13, 1954) is most well known for her beautiful and symbolically rich self-portraits. The Mexican painter's work (largely ignored while she was alive) was emblematic of the rich indigenous tradition and had an uncompromising depiction of the female experience. Her life long health problems caused by a major accident she suffered as a teenager informed a lot of her work as she was constantly in isolation recovering. She did all this while also putting up with her husband, Diego Rivera. In other words, Kahlo was a badass ruca.
What a clip from the PBS Documentary, The Life and Times of Frida Kahlo.
Even Google was in the spirit of the weekend (no pun intended) and honored the ancient Mexican tradition of Dia de los Muertos (Day of the Dead) with its very on doodle.
Dia de los Muertos is a celebration of life where we remember and honor those we have lost and have passed on by setting up alters in their name with photos, food, games, and trinkets they enjoyed in life. From very simple alters to elaborate multilevel set-ups, what really matters is taking the time to memorialize those we love.
SANTA CLARA, CALIF. – Ruben Dario Villa, a former Apple designer and San Jose artist launched a brand-new line of design-focused, pop-culture inspired and Chicano-driven air fresheners – Fúchila Fresheners.
