People often ask us why our school is called Adelita Language School.

The answer is deeply rooted in Mexican history and in my own personal story.

During the Mexican Revolution (1910–1920), thousands of courageous women—known collectively as Las Adelitas or soldaderas—played an essential role alongside the revolutionary armies. They were far more than companions. They served as nurses, cooks, messengers, strategists, and, when necessary, soldiers. Many fought bravely on the front lines, challenging the traditional expectations placed upon women at the time.

Although history has remembered a few remarkable Mexican women, Las Adelitas represent something even greater: the strength, resilience, determination, and generosity of countless ordinary women whose extraordinary contributions helped shape the future of Mexico.

Their story has always inspired me.

I was raised by my mother, Rosa Lara, a hardworking single mother who devoted her life to giving my brother and me every opportunity she could. Through her example, I learned the values of perseverance, sacrifice, compassion, and dignity—the very same qualities that I see reflected in the legacy of Las Adelitas.

When my friends Markus Mayer, Christy and Ranu Rojas, and I founded Adelita Language School in April 2010, during the centennial year of the Mexican Revolution, choosing its name was an easy decision. We wanted our school to honor not only the women who changed the course of Mexican history but also the millions of women who continue to strengthen their families, communities, and country every single day.

For us, Adelita is much more than a name.

It represents courage, dedication, hospitality, resilience, and the spirit of Mexico itself.

We hope that every student who joins our community experiences those same values while learning Spanish, discovering our culture, and creating lifelong memories in Guanajuato.

Ángel Rolando Rodríguez Lara
Founder & CEO
Adelita Language School

The Song That Gave a Voice to Las Adelitas

Every great symbol has a story.

During the Mexican Revolution (1910–1920), La Adelita became much more than the name of a woman—it became the voice of thousands of courageous women who supported and fought alongside the revolutionary forces. Their determination, resilience, and unwavering spirit inspired one of Mexico's most beloved revolutionary songs, "La Adelita."

Although the exact origins of the song remain the subject of historical research, it is widely believed that its melody gained popularity in the city of Culiacán, Sinaloa, where musician Julián S. Reyes, director of a revolutionary military band, adapted and arranged the tune after hearing it performed by local musicians. As the revolutionary armies advanced across Mexico, the band carried the song from one region to another, performing it during military celebrations, public gatherings, and patriotic events.

Before long, "La Adelita" had become the unofficial anthem of the Revolution. Soldiers proudly sang it on their marches, military bands performed it throughout the country, and the women who served with extraordinary courage became affectionately known as Las Adelitas. Over time, the song crossed borders, was recorded internationally, and became one of the most recognizable musical symbols of Mexico.

Today, more than a century later, La Adelita continues to represent courage, hope, resilience, and the remarkable contributions of Mexican women throughout history.

At Adelita Language School, we proudly carry that name because it reflects the values that define our school: dedication, perseverance, community, cultural pride, and the belief that education has the power to transform lives.

When you become part of our community, you are not simply learning Spanish—you are discovering the stories, traditions, and cultural heritage that have shaped Mexico and continue to inspire generations.

Historical Sources

This story is based on historical research about the role of Las Soldaderas during the Mexican Revolution and the origins of the revolutionary song "La Adelita." We are grateful to the historians and researchers whose work has helped preserve this important chapter of Mexico's cultural heritage, including the studies of Delia Fernández and the historical archives of the city of Culiacán.