Sun 5 - Wed 8
Festival of Our Lady of the Rosary
Celebrated in various towns and neighborhoods, most named for Saint
Mary, this is one of the most important fiestas of the year in Santa
María Colotepec. A traditional saint's day festival
on the coast begins
with the convite and calenda, parades led by brass bands and huge
papier-mache puppets through the streets of town inviting everyone to
participate in the upcoming festivities (Fri. Oct. 5). The calenda takes
place at night and includes faroles, candle-lit paper globes. There are
Jaripeos, the wildly popular bull-riding rodeo (Oct. 7), dances with
live bands (Oct. 7: Mar Azul, Amor Vaquero; Oct. 8: Banda Santa María)
and horse races (Oct.8).
Santa María Colotepec
Mon 6 - Sat 11
Arroyo Bodysurf Festival
Who needs a surf board? This is a friendly gathering for those hardy
souls who believe the best way to enjoy the surf is bareback, by "flying
through the water." Entry fee is 400 pesos; separate categories for men
and women. Competition will be held on Zicatela between the End zone
Sports Club (formerly Art & Harry's) and the lifeguard tower.
Contest meeting: End Zone Sports Club, 7 p.m. Sun., Oct. 5
Fri 10
Full Moon
02:28 CDT
Sun 12
Day of the Race
Forget Columbus Day and the Discovery of America, the Indians know it
wasn't missing in the first place. This national holiday is less
Eurocentric and acknowledges the racial reality here. The arrival of the
Spaniards was disastrous for the indigenous peoples, but it did give
birth to the mestizos, a new race that is most representative of México
today.
For the record, at dawn on Oct. 12, 1492, after 70 days at sea, the crews of the caravels La Pinta, La Nina and La Santa María were alerted by the cry of "¡Tierra, Tierra, Tierra!" by seaman Rodrigo de Triano when he sighted land.
And the rest, as they say, is history. The arrival of Columbus in America was probably the transcendent event of the 15th Century.
Sun 12
2nd Annual Zicatela Street Fair
Celebrate either C. C. or Day of the Race at this fun family event.
There'll be booths serving up all kinds of eats, including tasty local
specialities, drinks -- both hard and soft -- music, contests and games,
games, games. Raffles, dance contests, beach volleyball, iron man,
greased pole contests, egg and donkey races, just to name few. We're
talking BIG fun!
2 - 11 p.m. Playa Zicatela, opposite opposite Hotel Arcoiris
Sat 18
All Star Jaripeo
(Rodeo)
Line-up was unavailable at press time, but this is first-rate
entertainment with some of the fiercest bulls and best riders in the
state. The rodeo will be followed by a dance featuring a major national
recording artist.
7 p.m. Plaza de Toros La Costeñita
Fri 24
Miss Chiquitita Contest
The Fiestas of November in Puerto Escondido (See
preview of Fiestas 2003) has spawned not just a Fiesta Queen, but a veritable Royal
Family. This contest is for unutterably cute, precocious, little girls.
(Time and location was unconfirmed at press time, but it is normally
held at the Town Hall Esplanade beginning at 7 p.m)
Sat 25
Mrs. Emerald Coast Contest
Another part of the Royal Trinity, this beauty and charm contest is
open to women aged 30 to 50.
8 p.m. Town Hall Esplanade
Sat 25
Festival of Chilenas
Santiago Jamiltepec
A competition that attracts musicians from all over the coast. Chilena
music is part of the popular culture of the Oaxacan coast. (For more on
Chilena music and Jamiltepec, check here)
8 p.m. Salon Social, Santiago Jamiltepec
Fri 31
"Miss Puerto Escondido" Contest
The contest is open to young women aged 16 to 24. Srta. Puerto Escondido
will represent the town at all civic functions for the next year. Last
year's Miss P.E. is a tough act to follow: She also won Miss Bikini
Contest.
8 p.m. Town Hall Esplanade
Fri 31
All Star Jaripeo
(Rodeo)
See Sat. 18
7 p.m. La Costeñita
Oct 31 - Nov. 2
Days of the Dead
See the main stories in this issue on this most fascinating and
festive of Mexican holidays.
Nov. 1, Nov. 2
Exhibition of Altars
Marvel at the intricate beauty of these family offerings for the Day of the Dead.
Town Hall Esplanade
Folkloric Dance
Presentation of the Dance Club of the Cultural Center
7 p.m. Town Hall Esplanade
Nov. 3
Calenda
Festive and colorful parade to kick off the Fiestas of November 2003. It
will make its way through all the main streets of Puerto. Join in.
Fiestas of November
2003
November is a special time in Puerto Escondido. It's the month that the
town takes centre stage to showcase all the attractions that make Puerto
Escondido the best vacation spot in México. Here is a
partial listing of next month's lineup of extraordinary events:
Nov. 8 - 10
Motocross Championship
Nov. 14 - 16
International Surf Tournament
Nov. 21 - 23
International Sailfish Tournament
Nov. 22 - 23
Coast Festival of Dance
Nov. 22
Sand Sculpture Contest
Nov. 25
Lila Downs in concert
Wow!