Pronunciation: [kɹɪstˈe͡əɹə͡ʊz] (IPA) 
Cristeros, pronounced /kriːstɛrəʊz/, is a term used to refer to the Mexican Catholics who took up arms against the government in the Cristero War of 1926-1929. The word is plural and is derived from the Spanish word Cristo, which means Christ. In IPA phonetic transcription, the word is pronounced with a long "e" sound in the first syllable, followed by the stressed "o" sound in the second syllable, and ending with a "z" sound.
Cristeros is a term that refers to a group of devout Mexican Catholics who rose up in armed rebellion against the Mexican government between 1926 and 1929. The term originated from the Spanish word "Cristo," meaning "Christ," and it represents the Cristeros' fierce dedication to defending their religious freedoms and opposing the anti-Catholic policies implemented by the Mexican government at the time.
During this period, the Mexican government, under the presidency of Plutarco Elías Calles, sought to secularize society and reduce the influence of the Catholic Church. This led to the enforcement of strict laws that restricted religious practices, such as suppressing public religious ceremonies, closing down churches, and confiscating Church properties. In response to these actions, the Cristeros emerged as an armed resistance movement, composed mostly of rural peasants and some clergy, who fought against the government forces.
The Cristeros believed that their cause was a holy war, fighting in defense of their religious beliefs and the traditions of the Catholic Church. Their actions were characterized by acts of guerrilla warfare, sabotage, and acts of civil disobedience. The conflict between the Cristeros and the Mexican government resulted in a violent and bloody period in Mexican history known as the Cristero War, which ended with a truce in 1929.
The Cristeros have been revered by many Catholics as martyrs who stood up for religious freedom and the rights of believers. Their struggle is seen as a significant episode in the history of Catholicism in Mexico and has had a lasting impact on sociopolitical dynamics in the country.
The word "cristeros" is derived from the Spanish term "cristo", which means "Christ" or "the Anointed One", and the suffix "-ero", which indicates involvement or association.
The term "cristeros" specifically refers to the participants of the Cristero War, a conflict that occurred in Mexico during the 1920s. During this time, the Mexican government implemented a series of anticlerical measures aimed at suppressing the influence and power of the Catholic Church. These measures included restrictions on public religious practices, the closing of religious schools, and the persecution of clerics.
The opponents of these measures, who were mostly devout Catholics, rose up in rebellion. They called themselves "Cristeros" as an expression of their commitment to the defense of Christ's teachings and the Church. The name highlighted their opposition to the government's interference in religious matters and their fight to uphold Christian values.
