By Silvana Tabares

The Mexican Civic Society of Illinois celebrated the 98th anniversary of the Mexican Revolution with the only surviving son of Pancho Villa, Don Ernesto Nava Villa, during a reception at the National Museum of Mexican Art on Nov. 19.

Don Ernesto Nava Villa, 93 and his son Raul Nava 51, said they were both honored to commemorate Mexican history with Chicago residents.

The Mexican Civic Society of Illinois commemorated the 98th anniversary of the Mexican Revolution with Don Ernesto Nava Villa, Pancho Villa's only surviving son.
Photo: Silvana Tabares / EXTRA

“It was a great pleasure to be representing my father tonight,” Don Ernesto Nava Villa said. “I would like to thank and extend my gratitude to those that continue to hold my father in [their] memory.”
Susana Nava was one among those that attended the reception to learn more about the life of the revolutionary icon.

“Pancho Villa was a hero for the Mexican people,” she said.
Villa, a Mexican revolutionary leader, was an iconic figure that stole from the rich to help the poor. Eduardo Rodríguez, president of the Mexican Civic Society of Illinois, said it is important to remember the history of the Mexican Revolution.

“Our children [need] know where they come from and understand the history of both countries, [the U.S. and México],” Rodríguez said.

When Don Ernesto Nava Villa was a young boy, his mother told him never to tell anyone he was the son of Villa, due to fear of retaliation.

Finish reading The Son of Pancho Villa: Legacy of a Mexican revolutionary general