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This Month in Puerto

Thu 5 Pancho Villa
Birth of Francisco "Pancho" Villa
The brilliant hero of the Revolution, was born Doroteo Arango, in the state of Durango on June 5, 1877. His military victories earned him the epithet of "Centaur of the North."

He was finally defeated by Gen. Obregon in 1920 and returned to private life as a rancher. But in the midst of renewed political instability, he was assassinated in an ambush in Chihuahua on July 20, 1923.

Wed 11 - Fri 13
Festival of San Antonio
San Antonio Pochutla
A traditional coast fiesta featuring parades, dances, a rodeo and the lighting of the castillo, a tower affixed with fireworks in a traditional display of pyrotechnic magic.

San Antonio is located on the main coast highway to Pochutla at the road that leads to Mazunte, site of the Mexican Turtle Center. Other towns and neighborhoods in the region named for this saint will also celebrate during these days.

Sun 15
Father's Day
Mom had her special day last month, now dad gets a turn. Dad's Day Soccer Tournament, organized by Radio Esmeralda at the Town Hall Esplanade (Agencia Municipal).

Sat 21
First Day of Summer
If you're keeping score, it officially begins at 2:10 p.m.

Sat 21
Anniversary of Founding of San Pedro Mixtepec
The administrative center of the county that includes most of Puerto Escondido celebrates the 374th anniversary of its founding today with a civic ceremony and cultural program. Details unavailable at press time 6 p.m. Municipal Plaza, San Pedro Mixtepec.

igelsias de Nopala Sun 22 - Wed 25
Festival of St. John the Baptist
Santos Reyes Nopala
This important center of Chatino culture is always an interesting place to visit especially during one of its traditional fiestas. This issue we focus on this ancient town, which will celebrate several major festivals this month, including this one, a "horse fiesta" which includes processions of young people on horseback and animated horse races that have roots in pre-colombian religious rituals. See our story on Santos Reyes Nopala.

Fri 27
Our Lady of Perpetual Sorrow
An important religious observance in many communities, including Santa Maria Colotepec and the fore-mentioned Santos Reyes Nopala.

Fri 27 - Tue 29
Festival of Saint Peter the Apostle
San Pedro Mixtepec
The annual patron saint fiesta begins with the convite and calenda, processions through the streets of the town to invite participation in the celebration. Led by a brass band and huge papier-mache puppets, there's dancing and a festive ambiance.

There will also be sports events, the jaripeo rodeo, the castillo fireworks display and dances. Other communities in the area celebrate this saint's day for this apostle and for St. Paul, including Pochutla and Tutútepec. In Santos Reyes Nopala, it is cause for another "horse fiesta".

Sat 28
Art Opening:
"Flashes of Water " watercolors by Alicia Medina Jiménez. The show will run through July 12. Opening Reception for the artist: 7 p.m., Galeria Diana, calle 1a Oriente # 207, 582-0880

Mon 30
"La Noche Triste"
In 1520 Aztec troops led by Cuitláhuac attacked Spanish forces killing 400 Spaniards and 2,000 Indians loyal to them, forcing Cortes and the survivors to flee the city of Tenochtitlan. The attack came in response to the brutal slaughter of hundreds of Aztec nobles participating in religious rites in the temple. Legend has it that the distraught Cortes wept beneath an ahuehuete tree over la Noche Triste, Night of Sorrow.

Sunday July 6
Election Day
This is a national election to select federal deputies. Be aware that the "Dry Law" will be in effect. This means that from midnight on Friday, July 4 until midnight Sunday, bars, restaurants and stores are prohibited from selling alcohol.

Read This Month's Feature Article:
A visit to Chatino Country



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