Margarita Maza

Who was Margarita Maza?

Margarita Eustaquia Maza Parada, later known as Margarita Maza de Juárez, was the wife of Benito Juárez and First Lady of Mexico from 1858 to 1864, and then from 1867 until her death in 1871.

She was born in Oaxaca, Oaxaca to the Genovese agriculturist Antonio Maza and his wife Petra Parada Sigüenza. Benito's sister Josefa Juárez García worked as a maid in the Maza-Parada household. After Benito's escape from San Pablo Guelatao, he went to Oaxaca seeking the help of his sister. Benito had a close relationship with the Maza family, and also witnessed the birth and raising of Margarita as he was 20 years older than her.

Benito and Margarita married on July 31, 1843 in San Felipe Neri, Oaxaca. Benito was 37, and Margarita was 17.