What a lovely tribute to them Barbra. I’m sure when you were in Merida Cemetery at their grave sites, it must have almost been like communing with them, especially and importantly at Day of the Dead.
@Jeanine Kitchel Thanks for sharing ... this is one of my favorite stories about a brave woman living an amazing life. In addition to being part of a great love story, she also wrote about how Chichen Itza treasures were being looted for a Boston museum. She was a heroine of Mexico.
In Santa Barbara, where writing a screen play is a rite of passage, I wrote one about this story long ago (it is stored away in a proverbial bottom drawer where it belongs.) Here is a link to her song: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=fGfqMG8Wkgk
I think the story is movie worthy ... not sure my attempt was. I have thought of giving it another go. Along with all the other passing ideas ... ... ...
Beautiful and haunting melody, the pictures are a wonderful addition illustrating the dream-like world where such a life and love could easily exist--then the tragedy! The first thing in my mind when I read Jeanine's wonderful account was this must be a movie. Get that script outta that drawer.
The song by Los Juglares singers reminds me of Los Panchos, one of my favorite MX trios. Just love that sound. And Joyce, how cool you actually wrote a screenplay about Alma and so long ago. She certainly does leave an indelible impression.
Jeanine, I'm playing casting director in my mind for the film. This story is extremely interesting and your telling is enthralling. I understand why this area is such a part of your life, besides the beauty it is full of history and all the twisty plots that come from good vs bad and all the gray areas in between.
Thanks so much, Lucinda. Her and Carrillo Puerto's tale is so sad, romantic, tragic. All the elements, no? I think the part that gets me most is that the first firing squad shot over their heads! Referring the governor so much they couldn't shoot him and his brothers, bodyguards --and then the lieutenant orders THEM to be shot, and the next round shoots over the dead bodies of their fellow soldiers. Couldn't be more dramatic.
That part really resonates with me too! Those first soldiers are so courageous and heroic. Can you just imagine how they must have talked among themselves in advance deciding not to shoot, knowing the prospects of a devastating outcome. In my book, these guys are true saints.
You beautifully weave together the tragic yet captivating story of Felipe Carrillo Puerto and Alma Reed, highlighting the intense love and turmoil that marked their relationship against the backdrop of political upheaval in the Yucatán. The narrative skillfully captures the essence of their fated love, reminiscent of a Greek tragedy, making it a poignant and compelling read. Great work!
Thank you so much, Jonah! Their tale truly is worthy of the title "Greek tragedy." I love the photo at the end, by Barbra Bishop, who was at the Merida Cemetery during Day of the Dead last year. She kindly allowed me to share the photo of the statue of Carrillo Puerto where he was assassinated along w/ his 3 brothers and 6 bodyguards.
Fascinating story, thank you for sharing. I have seen the name Felipe Carrillo Puerto throughout Mexico, but one sees a lot of names there and doesn't always follow up on their story. Now I can put a story to the name.
Thank you Brian. Yes, Carrillo Puerto was quite a person. And that Chan Santa Cruz (near Bacalar) changed the name of the pueblo is something. Appreciate your comment!
this is a powerful story, and more meaningful to me having lived in Yucatan. It would make a fabulous movie...thank you for writing it. So many amazing twists and turns...he divorced his wife in super-Catholic Yucatan....wow. Who should we cast for the two main characters?
Ellen, thank you so much. I encourage you to find the book about her, and if/when you are in Merida, search out the cemetery. It is a powerful experience. You will come away changed.
Crazy and adventurous life! I like how she was able to get the signed confession so easily. Maybe her force of personality was so disarming that it opened all these doors for her.
I know, it blew me away too. I think she was probably simply good at what she did (her writing did achieve reducing the court's original death penalty for the SF boy) and she was a woman in a man's world, probably an advantage at the time. Also, Edward H. Thompson was quite a provocateur, rather bombastic by all accounts. She may have capitalized on that. And came away with an astounding story!
This gorgeous tragedy asks my heart: 💓 what do you love so deeply that would you be willing to die for? Carrillo’s fierce loyalty to the needs of the poor, and to his lady, are so moving.
So true. He was so universally progressive in his politics. Legalizing birth control in the 1920s, creating family planning clinics? Building schools, and deeding land back to the Maya, which may have been the nail in his coffin—the hacendados had worked hard to steal those lands. He even had the state constitution translated into the Mayan language.
Thanks for this historical account, Jeanine. Well done. de la Huerta overlaps in my last installment about Madero (if I ever get around to posting it) - he was just an all-around bad guy.
Your 2 posts made me think of Felipe Carrillo Puerto, Mike. That he fought alongside Zapata was a surprise, and that he borrowed his slogan, too. Thanks.
How tragic, indeed! Carrillo was a true hero of the people, the very definition of public servant - so rare throughout history. And Alma Reed - what a heart! Thank you for this magnificent story, Jeanine!
Thanks Lana, And Carrillo Puerto started feminist leagues that legalized birth control (!) and the first family planning clinics in the western hemisphere. In the 1920s. A true progressive public servant. Assassinated. The soldiers assigned to shoot him shot OVER his and his brothers, bodyguards' heads, so loyal were they to him. Simply amazing. I'm glad you liked it, share it w/ Milly if you think of it.
Excellent piece that tells the fascinating story of Felipe Carrillo Puerto and Alma Reed. It's completely captivating and beautifully presented here. Two extraordinary people who contributed so much to their worlds together and independently of eachother. Destiny brought them together and they fell in love, but such a heart breaking conclusion. I'm so happy Felipe and Alma continue to be remembered, highly revered, respected and admired in Yucatan.
The captivating and amazing story of Felipe Puerto Carillo and Alma Reed is beautifully told here. Two extraordinary people who contributed so much to their worlds, independently of eachother and also together. Destiny brought them together and they fell in love, but with such a tragic end. They were both engulfed in so many monumental events and so much fascinating history. I am so happy that both Felipe and Alma continue to be remembered, revered and celebrated in Yucatan. Thank you for sharing this wonderful story.
Dear Barbra, I thought I replied to your wonderful comment but it just popped up on my app. Oh, me and technology): so true about Alma and Felipe. Thank you.
What a lovely tribute to them Barbra. I’m sure when you were in Merida Cemetery at their grave sites, it must have almost been like communing with them, especially and importantly at Day of the Dead.
@Jeanine Kitchel Thanks for sharing ... this is one of my favorite stories about a brave woman living an amazing life. In addition to being part of a great love story, she also wrote about how Chichen Itza treasures were being looted for a Boston museum. She was a heroine of Mexico.
In Santa Barbara, where writing a screen play is a rite of passage, I wrote one about this story long ago (it is stored away in a proverbial bottom drawer where it belongs.) Here is a link to her song: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=fGfqMG8Wkgk
Thank you, Joyce. Maybe your screenplay should see the light of day. Her tale is incredible.
I think the story is movie worthy ... not sure my attempt was. I have thought of giving it another go. Along with all the other passing ideas ... ... ...
I agree with Jeanine, it should see the light of day.
Beautiful and haunting melody, the pictures are a wonderful addition illustrating the dream-like world where such a life and love could easily exist--then the tragedy! The first thing in my mind when I read Jeanine's wonderful account was this must be a movie. Get that script outta that drawer.
The song by Los Juglares singers reminds me of Los Panchos, one of my favorite MX trios. Just love that sound. And Joyce, how cool you actually wrote a screenplay about Alma and so long ago. She certainly does leave an indelible impression.
the story, the place, the time, the cenotes, the mystery ... it does have magic
What a fascinating story, Jeanine, and what a tragic end.
Isn't it, Priya? So sad. They were both really something. Both so progressive, so different and their worlds collided.
Jeanine, I'm playing casting director in my mind for the film. This story is extremely interesting and your telling is enthralling. I understand why this area is such a part of your life, besides the beauty it is full of history and all the twisty plots that come from good vs bad and all the gray areas in between.
Wonderful tale.
Thanks so much, Lucinda. Her and Carrillo Puerto's tale is so sad, romantic, tragic. All the elements, no? I think the part that gets me most is that the first firing squad shot over their heads! Referring the governor so much they couldn't shoot him and his brothers, bodyguards --and then the lieutenant orders THEM to be shot, and the next round shoots over the dead bodies of their fellow soldiers. Couldn't be more dramatic.
That part really resonates with me too! Those first soldiers are so courageous and heroic. Can you just imagine how they must have talked among themselves in advance deciding not to shoot, knowing the prospects of a devastating outcome. In my book, these guys are true saints.
So true Barbra. (And I Love your wonderful photo of Carrillo Puerto's statue at the cemetery, so stunning). Gracias!
Chilling. All the elements, yes!
You beautifully weave together the tragic yet captivating story of Felipe Carrillo Puerto and Alma Reed, highlighting the intense love and turmoil that marked their relationship against the backdrop of political upheaval in the Yucatán. The narrative skillfully captures the essence of their fated love, reminiscent of a Greek tragedy, making it a poignant and compelling read. Great work!
Thank you so much, Jonah! Their tale truly is worthy of the title "Greek tragedy." I love the photo at the end, by Barbra Bishop, who was at the Merida Cemetery during Day of the Dead last year. She kindly allowed me to share the photo of the statue of Carrillo Puerto where he was assassinated along w/ his 3 brothers and 6 bodyguards.
Fascinating story, thank you for sharing. I have seen the name Felipe Carrillo Puerto throughout Mexico, but one sees a lot of names there and doesn't always follow up on their story. Now I can put a story to the name.
Thank you Brian. Yes, Carrillo Puerto was quite a person. And that Chan Santa Cruz (near Bacalar) changed the name of the pueblo is something. Appreciate your comment!
this is a powerful story, and more meaningful to me having lived in Yucatan. It would make a fabulous movie...thank you for writing it. So many amazing twists and turns...he divorced his wife in super-Catholic Yucatan....wow. Who should we cast for the two main characters?
Ellen, thank you so much. I encourage you to find the book about her, and if/when you are in Merida, search out the cemetery. It is a powerful experience. You will come away changed.
A fascinating story becomes even more powerful when narrated so brilliant, Jeanine. I am a new Mexico Soul reader, but already a devoted one.
Mil gracias, Mateus. That means a lot to me.
Crazy and adventurous life! I like how she was able to get the signed confession so easily. Maybe her force of personality was so disarming that it opened all these doors for her.
I know, it blew me away too. I think she was probably simply good at what she did (her writing did achieve reducing the court's original death penalty for the SF boy) and she was a woman in a man's world, probably an advantage at the time. Also, Edward H. Thompson was quite a provocateur, rather bombastic by all accounts. She may have capitalized on that. And came away with an astounding story!
This gorgeous tragedy asks my heart: 💓 what do you love so deeply that would you be willing to die for? Carrillo’s fierce loyalty to the needs of the poor, and to his lady, are so moving.
So true. He was so universally progressive in his politics. Legalizing birth control in the 1920s, creating family planning clinics? Building schools, and deeding land back to the Maya, which may have been the nail in his coffin—the hacendados had worked hard to steal those lands. He even had the state constitution translated into the Mayan language.
So inspiring! Meanwhile today I write ✍️ about how to entice the elite class to share power cooperatively 😂
Wow! What a tale. I love learning the term "amor calido." Romance of the steam is a wonderful metaphor. Thank you for sharing this tragic story!!
Thanks for this historical account, Jeanine. Well done. de la Huerta overlaps in my last installment about Madero (if I ever get around to posting it) - he was just an all-around bad guy.
Your 2 posts made me think of Felipe Carrillo Puerto, Mike. That he fought alongside Zapata was a surprise, and that he borrowed his slogan, too. Thanks.
How tragic, indeed! Carrillo was a true hero of the people, the very definition of public servant - so rare throughout history. And Alma Reed - what a heart! Thank you for this magnificent story, Jeanine!
Thanks Lana, And Carrillo Puerto started feminist leagues that legalized birth control (!) and the first family planning clinics in the western hemisphere. In the 1920s. A true progressive public servant. Assassinated. The soldiers assigned to shoot him shot OVER his and his brothers, bodyguards' heads, so loyal were they to him. Simply amazing. I'm glad you liked it, share it w/ Milly if you think of it.
Excellent piece that tells the fascinating story of Felipe Carrillo Puerto and Alma Reed. It's completely captivating and beautifully presented here. Two extraordinary people who contributed so much to their worlds together and independently of eachother. Destiny brought them together and they fell in love, but such a heart breaking conclusion. I'm so happy Felipe and Alma continue to be remembered, highly revered, respected and admired in Yucatan.
The captivating and amazing story of Felipe Puerto Carillo and Alma Reed is beautifully told here. Two extraordinary people who contributed so much to their worlds, independently of eachother and also together. Destiny brought them together and they fell in love, but with such a tragic end. They were both engulfed in so many monumental events and so much fascinating history. I am so happy that both Felipe and Alma continue to be remembered, revered and celebrated in Yucatan. Thank you for sharing this wonderful story.
Dear Barbra, I thought I replied to your wonderful comment but it just popped up on my app. Oh, me and technology): so true about Alma and Felipe. Thank you.
Always enjoy reading your stories around Mexico, Jeanine!
Mil gracias, Rachel! It's an unbelievable tale, truly has the makings of a Greek tragedy.