Charles F.
Yelp
We stayed in the Centro Historico district and saw El Pipila from above. I didn't know the story until our second night in Guanajuato when I read about the history.
Criss Cross Apple Sauce Kids because it's Story Time.
Juan Amaro was born with disabilities and some say he had a hunchback. He was given the nickname, El Pipila because the way he walked resembled the movements of a turkey.
He worked in the nearby silver mines where the gaseous environment and harsh conditions only made matters worse.
The Spaniards were beginning to hear rumblings of a rebellion brewing so they barricaded themselves in one of the most fortified buildings in the city, the Alhondiga de Granaditas. The Alhondiga de Granaditas was the city's grain storage and it had solid stonewalls and various advantageous points for the Spanish archers to quickly eliminate threats from below.
The Spaniards wanted to wait until more reinforcements came to eliminate the rebellion once and for all.
A decision that would change history, Juan Amaro, El Pipila, strapped a large stone on his back, picked up a bucket of tar, and grabbed a lit torch. He ran full force into the only weak spot of the Alhondiga de Granditas, the wooden door.
The large stone on his back protected him from the expert Spanish archers high above and once at the door he coated it in tar and lit it ablaze with his torch.
The fire destroyed the wooden door and the smoke dramatically visually impaired those expert Spanish archers. The rioters were able to breach past the burning door and overtake the Alhondiga de Granditas.
Not one of the Spanish garrison survived and this first victory against the Spanish WENT VIRAL without the aid of smartphones.
The tale of Juan Amaro, El Pipila, spread throughout Mexico. If El Pipila can do something, then so shall I. The rebel yell of El Pipila sang for many years as the Mexican revolution removed the Spaniards and Mexico became independent.
Definitely visit El Pipla during the day or the night but how?
TIP 1: The Funicular, which is a tram, is located on Avenida Constancia. If you are at Jardin de la Union. go down San Diego alongside the Teatro Juarez, and then make a left.
TIP 2: Buy a Round Trip Ticket because you ain't walking back down.
TIP 3: Definitely go during the day but go back just before sunset.
TIP 4: You can buy drinks and snacks at the top or bring your own. This is a perfect picnic basket with cheeses, fruits, and wine on date night.
Did I mention the views? The views are IG worthy. Period Full Stop. Mic Drop. You get the picture.
Remember, anyone can be a hero as it just takes one person to stand up for what is right. Thank