Today, August 7, we celebrate World Lighthouse Day, a commemoration that began in the United States as a national holiday. This date was chosen to remember the signing of the Act to Establish and Support Lighthouses, Beacons, Buoys, and Public Piers by the U.S. Congress in 1789.
Over time, this celebration has transcended borders, and several countries have adopted this date to honor the iconic structures that have been crucial to maritime navigation.
In Mexico, this occasion is an opportunity to recognize the historical and cultural significance of the lighthouses along our coasts. These impressive structures have witnessed the maritime progress of the country and are symbols of safety and protection for sailors. Although modern technology such as GPS has rendered many lighthouses around the world obsolete, they continue to be essential to Mexico’s maritime history.
Lighthouses were built to provide navigators with geographical references. Initially, these lighthouses had no lighting, as they were primarily used to mark problematic or simply significant geographic locations. With the advancement of navigation into the open sea and unknown areas, it became evident that illuminating the lighthouses was necessary, as navigation was no longer based solely on natural light.
Today, Mexico has 135 operational lighthouses along its coastlines, some of which are notable examples of architecture. From those built in masonry to the more recent steel ones, each lighthouse represents a vital connection between sea and land, providing crucial reference points for navigation and contributing to the prevention of shipwrecks in complicated navigation areas. Thanks to these lighthouses, sailors have had invaluable assistance over time, making it crucial to take care of them and recognize their importance today.
