Día de los Niños Héroes (Boy Heroes Day) in Mexico Date in the current year: September 13, 2024

Mexican troops under command of soldier Nicolás Bravo were defeating Chapultepec Castle during the U.S. invasion to Mexico in 1847. Cadets were also given to protect the castle, according to different sources their number was from 47 to a few hundred. American troops greatly outnumbered the defenders and the cadets were ordered to retreat, however, six of them - Juan de la Barrera, Juan Escutia, Francisco Márquez, Agustín Melgar, Fernando Montes de Oca and Vicente Suárez – stayed there to fight to death. According to the legend, the last of those six cadets, Juan Escuti leaped from the castle wrapped in flag of Mexico to prevent the flag from being taken by American troops.

The bodies of those six brave cadets were buried on the grounds of Chapultepec Park. A monument was erected at the entrance to Chapultepec Park in honor of the boys. Cadets' names were also given to the streets, schools and squares across the country.