Introduction to Margarita Maza Parada
Margarita Maza Parada, wife of Benito Juárez, was born on March 29, 1826, during the beginning of spring when all flowers bloom. Two centuries have passed since her birth, and after her death on January 2, 1871, many days have gone by. However, dear reader, this 2026 is officially and institutionally dedicated to her.
Margarita’s Life and Background
Margarita’s story is worth telling, not only because she was a woman who shunned luxury and drama, resisted praise and public appearances, and raised twelve children by running a small flower shop and doing exquisite sewing to support her family while her husband evaded conservatives across the Republic.
Born into an opulent home in Oaxaca, formed by the Genovese emigrant Antonio Maza and his Oaxacan wife Petra Parada de Maza, Margarita was the youngest of four siblings: Manuel, Juana (who married Licenciado Manuel Dublán), and José, her childhood confidant. The Maza children received an exemplary education rooted in Christian moral principles, with charity for the needy and love for one’s neighbor as their guiding values. Among them, young Margarita stood out for her diligence and virtue.
Working in their home were Tiburcio Maldonado and his wife Josefa Juárez, who took in Benito Juárez, a diligent student of Latin and law, who was 37 years old, of distinct Zapotec descent, with an intellect honed by reading and learning. The stars aligned, and Margarita fell in love with Benito’s noble character. On July 31, 1843, when Margarita was 17 and Benito 37, they united in a faithful and unbreakable marriage.
Margarita’s Supportive Role
Benito Juárez had become a lawyer and was involved in public life as a councilman, local deputy, General Secretary of Government, Congress delegate, and Oaxaca’s governor during the tumultuous year of the North American Invasion. Margarita learned to respect and admire her husband’s unwavering liberal principles, choosing not to interfere in his public life while nurturing their home and raising their children: Manuela (1844), Felícitas (1845), Margarita (1848), Soledad (1850), and Benito (1852).
Challenges Faced by Margarita
On May 27, 1853, Juárez, who led the Institute of Arts and Sciences and was an influential liberal, was imprisoned, sent to San Juan de Ulúa, and later exiled to Havana, Cuba, then New Orleans. Margarita faced her own hardships and dangers, having to flee with their young children from place to place, eventually settling where it was prudent and necessary.
Margarita’s Resilience
A letter dated June 15, 1866, written by Margarita to Benito Juárez, showcases her resilience:
“Dear Benito,
I received your letters from July 12 and 18 of last month and am relieved to hear that you remain unchanged, which I am very glad about. We are all well and eagerly wish to be with you, but it seems that won’t happen as soon as I hope. If it weren’t for the lack of courage to leave my children behind, I would have gone with Mr. Bravo, but I thought about it and tried to dismiss the idea. I would gladly go if you asked me to, so please consider it and let me know. I no longer fear the journey or the desert after walking the Cuajimulco path; think about it and let me know, as this is a good time for traveling.”
Reunion and Tragedy
After the conflict ended, the Juárez family reunited and lived in the house marked with number 1 on Moneda Street, occupying the northern part of the Palacio Nacional. However, their happiness was short-lived. Margarita fell gravely ill and passed away on January 2, 1871. She was laid to rest in the San Fernando Pantheon, and Guillermo Prieto honored her with a funeral sonnet:
Bello su rostro, inmensa su ternura,
a la hora del placer desaparecía,
mas derramando el bien, resplandecía
en momentos de prueba y amargura.
Key Questions and Answers
- Who was Margarita Maza Parada? Margarita Maza Parada was the wife of Benito Juárez, a prominent Mexican liberal leader. She was known for her resilience and dedication to her family during challenging times.
- Why is 2026 significant for Margarita Maza Parada? The year 2026 has been officially dedicated to Margarita Maza Parada in recognition of her unwavering support for her husband and her significant role in Mexican history.
- What were some of the challenges Margarita faced? Margarita faced numerous hardships, including the imprisonment and exile of her husband, Benito Juárez, as well as the responsibility of raising their twelve children alone while navigating financial difficulties.
- How did Margarita demonstrate resilience? Margarita’s resilience was evident in her unwavering support for Benito Juárez during his political struggles and her courage in moving with their young children to safer locations.
