Thu 4
Election of "La America"
This event is to select the young woman who will represent Puerto during
this month's events celebrating the 193rd anniversary of the launching
of Meíxico's struggle for Independence.
It's not a beauty contest: participants must be students at one of the
local high schools or junior colleges. They must demonstrate a knowledge
of Mexican history and be able to sing the national anthem. No easy
task!
7 p.m. Town Hall Esplanade
Sat 6 - Mon 8
Fiesta of the Birth of the Holy Virgin
A traditional saint's day fiesta in many communities, most named Santa
María, among them: Sta. María Colotepec. Activities include the
traditional calenda parade with brass band and huge papier-mache
puppets, the castillo fireworks display, rodeos (jaripeos), and dances.
Wed 10
Full Moon
11:36 CDT
Sat 13
Commemoration of the Heroic Children of Chapultepec
The young cadets from the military academy in Chapultepec Castle are
remembered on this day, the 155th anniversary of their death in the
defense of Meíxico City against the invading U.S. forces.
A flag-raising ceremony takes place at 7 a.m. and a civic ceremony
eulogizing the national heroes begins at 9 a.m. An honor guard comprised
of students from various local schools and colleges holds vigil
throughout the day at the monument to the Heroic Children located in the
Town Hall Plaza
(More details)
Sun 14
Cultural Program
featuring folkloric performances by two local primary schools and the
music and dance troupe of Panixtlahuaca.
7 p.m. Town Hall Esplanade
Mon 15
Ceremony of the Cry for Independence
Meíxico's independence movement began with the call to take up arms
against Spanish rule by Miguel Hidalgo y Costilla, the parish priest in
the town of Dolores.
Throughout Meíxico, on this night before Independence Day, people gather at the local government building to watch music and dance performances, listen to speeches and the traditional ceremony commemorating the Cry of Dolores, el Grito de Dolores.
After the speeches are over, bells are rung and the fireworks are launched into the skies, it's time to dance into the wee hours.
(See more on El Grito)
El Grito Activities in Puerto:
10 a.m. Beach Volleyball Tournament, Playa Principal
11a.m. Soccer Town Hall Esplanade
4 p.m. Greased Pig Contest on the Adoquín
5 p.m. Swimming Races, Playa Principal
7:00 p.m. Social and Cultural Program Town Hall Esplanade
11 p.m. Grito Ceremony
11:30 p.m. Dance with Alvaro Monterrubio and the Santa Cecilia Band,
Town Hall Esplanade
Tue 16
Independence Day
193nd anniversary of the birth of the movement for independence from
Spain. A national holiday; banks, government offices and some businesses
will be closed. In fact, many people will take a long four day weekend.
8 a.m. Civic Ceremony
Juárez Sports Stadium
8:30 a.m. Parade
The army, civic groups and every school and college in town participate.
The parade marches down Av. Oaxaca to Hidalgo, then over to the Town Hall Esplanade.
2 p.m. Horse Races
Calle Agua Zarca, col. Agua Marina
Jaripeo
The boisterous, local version of rodeo, featuring bullriding, is a
wildly popular staple of holiday entertainment.
This community jaripeo to celebrate Independence Day will be held at
the temporary jaripeo ring located across the Coast Highway from the Ice
Plant beginning at 4 p.m.
See more on Jaripeos
Wed 17 Fri 19
First Grand Mezcal Fair
The home of the famous Tobalá mezcal, as well as cradle of the sones y
chilena music so popular on the coast, hosts the inaugural event to
celebrate the fiery brew in particular and the culture in general.
Sola de Vega
For more on mezcal, the "spirit of Oaxaca," see our special report from El Sol de la Costa, April, 2003.
Tue 23
Autumn
Begins at 5:47 a.m.
Sat 27 Mon 29
Fiesta of Saint Michael
Annual Fair in Puerto's colonia San Miguel, as well as
other communities named for the Archangel. You can enjoy the usual complement of parades,
fireworks, dancing and rodeos.