By the time of Columbus, there were at least 150 plants domesticated in the New World. It's hard to conceive of a world without corn, beans, squash, tomatoes, chilis, peppers, potatoes, peanuts, pineapples, avocados, papaya, not to mention chocolate, tobacco, chewing gum, rubber and cochineal. These are just some of the wonders that Europeans found in America and which changed their world.
Good food should be one of the great pleasures of life, especially when you're on vacation. We hope that the brief guide to "Eating Escondido" will help make your stay more enjoyable. This month you can also enjoy the Fiesta of all Fiestas: The huge Annual Fair in Chila. But, wait, there's more! Here comes Carnaval!
So, no sniveling, okay?
- - Warren Sharpe. editor
Sunday 1 - Wednesday 18
"Chila 2004"
The mother of all fiestas, the Annual Fair in neighboring Bajos de Chila
is the grandest on the coast. It spreads over 2 weeks and offers a
wealth of entertainment. It's become very tourist-friendly over the
years, so don't miss it. More on Chila
Festival Schedule:
Thursday 5
3 p.m. Mountain Bike Race (Open)
Friday 6
9 a.m. Kids' Football. Women's Football
Saturday 7
9 a.m. Men's Football. Men's Basketball
Sunday 8
9 a.m. Football Finals, Men's Volleyball, Mixtec Ball Tournament
Mon 9 - Thu 12
6 p.m. Cultural Events
Wednesday 11 - Monday 16
7 p.m. Cockfights (See below)
Friday 13
4 p.m. Convite Procession
7 p.m. Mass and candlelit Calenda Procession
Saturday 14
8 p.m. Cultural Program and Fireworks
Sunday 15
5 a.m. Mañanitas
12 p.m. Mass & Community Meal
10 p.m. Dance with Socios del Ritmo & Furia Oaxaqueña
Sun 15, Mon 16 & Tue 17
3 p.m. Jaripeos: Bull-riding rodeos
Tuesday 17
9 p.m. Dance with Mar Azul & Sonido Squech
Wednesday 18
3 p.m. Horse Races & Closing of "Chila 2004"
Wednesday 11 - Monday 16
Cock Fights
Cock fighting is one of the popular spectacles of fiesta days and,
although it's not for everybody, if you'd like to experience this aspect
of local culture, the Chila Fair is an excellent opportunity. Not only
is the Chila tournament the area's most prestigious, attracting famed
chicken raisers from as far away as Tijuana and Los Angeles, but the
Chila Palenque, (arena, cock pit) offers a family atmosphere rare in
this normally macho domain.
Saturday 14
St. Valentine's
"The Day of Love and Friendship" is a big deal in Mexico, so do
something nice for your sweetie. Special menus and programs at many
Puerto restaurants and hotels and the big night in Chila.
Thursday 19
Oaxaca Fiesta Night
Learn about the food, folklore and fun of your host country. Buffet of
Oaxacan delicacies, performances and lessons on how to dance the
Chilena!
6 - 10 p.m. Hotel Arcoiris, Playa Zicatela
Friday 20
Casino Night
A fun way to raise funds for a good cause: the Community Assistance Fund
of IFOPE, International Friends of Puerto Escondido. Roulette,
blackjack, wheel of fortune, bingo.
6 - 10 p.m. Hotel Fiesta Mexicana, Fracc. Bacocho
Saturday 21 - Tuesday 24
Carnaval de la Costa 2004
Don't worry, be happy! It's the big blow out before the 40 days of Lent.
Parades, floats, costumes and dancing in the street. How bad can that
be? More on Carnaval
Festival Schedule:
Saturday 21
Children's Parade (through the main streets of town), Election of
Children's King and Queen of Carnaval, Town Hall Esplanade
Sunday 22
Carnaval Parade (through the main streets of town), Election of
Carnaval Queen and the King of Joy and the Ceremony to Bury all Cares,
Town Hall Esplanade
Monday 23
Carnaval dance and music, Town Hall Esplanade
Tuesday 24
Grand Carnaval Parade, Prize Ceremony (for best floats and costume
groups) and Closing Party.
Tuesday 24
Flag Day
There have actually been many versions of the familiar tricolor over the
years. The three colors were first adopted in 1821, each one
representing one of the principals of the first constitution of the
young Mexican Republic. The color green represented independence, white
the purity of the Catholic faith and red the unity of the nation.
Incidentally, that huge flag on the army base measures 25 by 13 meters,
it hangs from a 70 meter pole and requires 10 to 12 soldiers to raise
and lower every day.
Wednesday 25
Ash Wednesday
The beginning of Lent. The faithful attend a special mass to receive the
mark of ashes on their foreheads.
Wednesday 25 - Friday 27
Founders' Day
Sta. María Colotepec
Feb. 27 marks this neighboring town's 290th anniversary. Sports events,
a program on history and folklore and on Thu 27th, a rodeo, fireworks,
and a big dance.
Saturday 28
Grand Rodeo & Dance
The best riders and the fiercest bulls and dancing to Banda Limón and
Cadetes de Linables. At Puerto's classy rodeo arena La Costeñita. 5 p.m.
Sunday 29
Leap Year Day
It only comes around every 4 years
Academy Awards
The 76th annual Oscars: You either love 'em or hate 'em. Special
coverage at the End Zone/South Beach (formerly Art & Harry's)