Tue 11 - Sun 16
4th Annual Central Surf Invitational Longboard Tube Riding
Contest
The best professional long-board surfers in the world return to Puerto
to face the unpredictable waves of Playa Zicatela. See more.
Mon 17
St. Patrick's Day
Break out the green and enjoy a traditional corned beef and cabbage
feast at Art & Harry's on Playa Zicatela.
Tue 18
Nationalization of the Oil Industry
The great populist president Lázaro Cárdenas signed the proclamation
declaring Mexican ownership of this important national resource on Feb.
18. 1938, after the foreign oil companies refused to accept arbitration
to end a long and bitter strike by oil workers. The anniversary is
celebrated with civic events and rightfully extolled as a critical
milestone in Mexican economic history; Indeed, it would be hard to
imagine the level of development had there been no PEMEX.
Tue 17 - Wed 19
Fiesta of Saint Joseph
Countless towns and neighborhoods are named for San José, the great
patriarch, hence many celebrate annual fair in honor of their patron
saint this month. The traditional fiesta on the coast begins with the
festive calenda parade (Mon 17), fireworks and dancing take place on the
saint's day eve (Tue. 18). Actual feast day is Wed. 19, devoted to
religious observances and sometimes cockfights, horse racing and rodeos.
The closest San José to Puerto Escondido is San José Manialtepec, a 10 minute drive beyond the recreation areas around Manialtepec Lagoon. There's also San José del Progreso about an hour's drive further west on the Coast Highway (Rte. 200) near Chacahua National Park. San José Pacifico is about three-hours drive up in the pine forests of the high Sierra.
Thu 20
Spring Is Here
It begins officially at 7:01 p.m.
Fri 21
Birthday of Benito Juárez
Among its many illustrious sons, Oaxaca produced two dominant figures in
Mexican history. One is Porfirio Diaz, the president who didn't know
when to quit and whose excesses gave birth to the Mexican Revolution.
The other is Benito Juárez, the Zapotec Indian who rose from humble
origins to become the most revered leader in Mexican history and,
indeed, all of Latin America.
Benito Pablo Juárez García was born on March 21,
1806 in the village of
San Pablo Guelatao, Ixtlán, Oaxaca. Orphaned at age four, he learned to
speak Spanish and to read and write at the age of 12, when he was sent
by his impoverished relatives to Oaxaca and taken into a seminary for an
education.
He went on to study law and at age 28 began his career in public office as a councilman in the town. He later served as state deputy, a civil and finance judge, secretary of state, governor and, seven times, president of Mexico.
During his long political life he suffered jail terms and exile. He led the resistance to the French invasion under the Emperor Maximilian and guided the country through a time of vicious, internal struggles to establish La Reforma, the series of reforms that limited the powerhold of the church, foreign business interests and the old ruling class.
Most of all, Juárez is remembered for his honesty, unimpeachable integrity and humanity. His quote "Respect for the rights of others brings peace" (El respeto al derecho ajeno es la paz) is the motto on the seal of the state of Oaxaca. This statesman is honored throughout Mexico and indeed the world.
A national holiday, banks and government offices are closed. A civic ceremony to honor the great man will be held at 9 a.m. at Town Hall Square and at 5 p.m. There will be a children's parade to celebrate Spring and Juárez ending with a cultural program, also at the Explanada de la Agencia Municipal.
Wed April 3
Homage to Alvaro Carrillo
Alvaro Carrillo Alarcón is best know for his ballads, such as "Sabor a
mi", but he also wrote some of the most popular Chilenas, such as
"Pinotepa". This talented and prolific composer was born in Cacahuatepec
on Oaxaca's Costa Chica and every year on the anniversary of his tragic
death in a car accident on April 3, 1969, the town of Pinotepa Nacional
pays tribute to this native son and his musical heritage.
A host of musicians will interpret his music and a winner will be
selected. See more on Oaxacan music.
6 p.m. Municipal Square, Pinotepa Nacional
Sun April 6
Daylight Savings
Spring Forward! It takes effect at 2 a.m. on the first Sunday of April,
when clocks are to be set forward one hour (i.e. 2 a.m. becomes 3 a.m.).