Nuestro México, Febrero Veintitrés

The song 'Nuestro México, Febrero Veintitrés' by Inti-Illimani is a vivid recounting of a historical event involving the legendary Mexican revolutionary leader, Pancho Villa. The lyrics transport listeners back to February 23rd, a date marked by Villa's defiance against American forces. The song opens with the mention of Carranza allowing American troops into Mexico, a reference to President Venustiano Carranza's controversial decision during the Mexican Revolution. The Americans, equipped with ten thousand soldiers and six hundred airplanes, were on a mission to capture Villa, who had become a symbol of resistance and rebellion.

The narrative takes a humorous turn as it describes the American soldiers' struggles, with cavalry unable to sit and infantry unable to walk. Villa's cleverness shines through as he uses airplanes to outmaneuver his enemies, bidding them 'goodbye' from above. The song continues with Villa's ingenious plan to disguise himself and his troops as American soldiers, leading to the capture of the unsuspecting Americans. This act of cunning and bravery is celebrated as a triumph over foreign invaders, with Villa's painted wooden structures fooling the Americans into surrendering.

The song also captures the reaction of the Mexican people, particularly in Chihuahua and Ciudad Juarez, who were both astonished and fearful of the events unfolding. The imagery of American and Carrancista soldiers hanging from posts underscores the brutal reality of the conflict. The final verses serve as a rallying cry for Mexicans to stand firm and defend their nation, emphasizing the importance of unity and resistance against foreign intervention. Through its storytelling, 'Nuestro México, Febrero Veintitrés' immortalizes Pancho Villa as a national hero and a symbol of Mexican resilience and ingenuity.