History of Adelita

You may already be familiar with the renowned "Adelitas," the women who fought alongside men in the Mexican Revolution. However, it's important to recognize that behind this name lies a real woman.

Her name was Adela Velarde Pérez, born on September 8, 1900, in Chihuahua, México. Adela was described as friendly, bold, brave, and intelligent. At the tender age of 13, defying her father's wishes, she joined "La Cruz Blanca" to acquire medical skills. Undeterred by her father's lack of support, Adela pursued her aspiration to become a nurse.

By the time she turned 15, Adela enlisted in the military as a nurse on the front lines. Alongside other women, known as "soldaderas," her duty was to care for the wounded and assist in combat when the men required aid. It was these women who later became known as "Adelitas," as Adela's story came to light. Throughout her service in the Mexican Revolution, Adela garnered the romantic attention of soldiers, yet she steadfastly rejected their advances, focusing instead on her mission.

Years later, Adela formed a relationship with Antonio Gil, with whom she had a child. Tragically, both her boyfriend and their child perished during battles, one in the Mexican Revolution and the other in World War II. Despite these devastating losses, Adela remained resilient and determined. She continued to fight in battles across Zacatecas, Chihuahua, Morelos, and Mexico City. Despite her significant contributions to the Mexican Revolution, her story was forgotten over time, only to be rediscovered now. After the Revolution, she moved to Mexico City and worked as a typist.

Twenty years after the Revolution, Adela was finally acknowledged as a veteran. However, it took sixty years for her to receive formal recognition and a pension for her service. At the age of 65, she met and married Colonel Alfredo Villegas, with whom she spent the remainder of her days. Adela Velarde Pérez passed away in 1971 and was laid to rest in San Felipe Cemetery in Del Rio, Texas.

Long after the revolution, the depiction of "Adelitas" became exaggerated and hypersexualized, far from the reality of the women who fought in the revolution. After the conflict, these brave veterans returned home to conform to societal norms, gradually fading from memory along with their stories and contributions.

The colorful posters we see today, portraying beautiful women with braids and lipstick, their flowing hair and radiant smiles, are a stark contrast to reality. These women gave their blood, sweat, and tears for their country. They fought side by side with men on the battlefields, assuming various roles and making significant contributions to the cause. They were prepared for anything, from cooking to aiding in the midst of combat. Throughout Mexican history, women have held pivotal positions in medicine, education, combat, and leadership during times of conflict, playing a vital role in the nation's development. The resilient and indomitable spirit of these women lives on, symbolized by the proud waving of the country's flag.