Definitely the Valentina Sauce is a favorite of the Mexican palate: it accompanies seafood, snacks, appetizers and even drinks, such as margaritas. But did you know that her name is inspired by a brave revolutionary?
La Salsa Valentina, honor to whom honor deserves
The name of this sauce is inspired by the revolutionary Valentina Ramirez Avitia, born in Norotal, Durango, in 1893. Her father was a farmer and muleteer. She had four older brothers and one younger sister.
When the revolutionary war broke out in 1910 and troops stormed her town under the command of General Iturbe, the young woman dressed in the clothes of one of her brothers, hidden her braids inside a hat, and joined the ball of revolutionaries. under the name of Juan Ramírez. She was only 17 years old.
By 1911 and honoring her name, Valentina achieved the rank of lieutenant. The story goes that when no one was watching, she would practice the masculine moves of sitting down, bowing, and riding a horse.
His bravery is recorded in the capture of Culiacán by Iturbe’s army. With his 30-30 carbine, cartridge belts on his chest, and a palm hat with a tricolor ribbon, he launched into combat at the Cañedo Bridge.
Unfortunately, her guerrilla story ends when a fellow revolutionary discovers her braids and takes her to the general; who congratulates her on her bravery but immediately discharges her because she did not admit women into her ranks.
Last years of a warrior
Despite her contribution to the Mexican Revolution, Valentina Ramírez Avitia suffers a precarious life in the last years of her life. In 1969, she is run over in Navolato, Sinaloa, leaving her disabled.
For this reason, the authorities allow her to enter a nursing home, but the woman escapes to survive the last years of her life by asking for money on the streets. In 1979 she died due to burns caused by a fire in her house.
Salsa Valentina honors the Lioness of Norotal
In 1911, the image of this daring woman went around the world when it was published in the newspaper the Illustrated Week with the following description: “Revolutionary girl. miss Valentina Ramírez of Iturbe’s forces, before the attack on Culiacán”.
In addition, his courage earned him the inspiration for the popular song The Valentine, sung by the Villista troops. It should be noted that in addition to being a lieutenant, he obtained the rank of Veteran of the Revolution and Member of the Legion of Honor.
Finally, he earned the nickname of The Lioness of North Americafor his recklessness on the battlefield.
