Wednesday 17
St. Patrick's Day
Enjoy a traditional corned beef and cabbage feast at the End Zone Sports
Club/South Beach Eatery on Playa Zicatela
Thursday 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.
Wednesday 17-Friday 19
Fiesta of Saint Joseph
Countless towns and neighbor-hoods are named for San José, the great
patriarch, hence many celebrate annual fairs in honor of their patron
saint this month. The traditional fiesta on the coast begins with the
festive calenda parade (Wed. 17), fireworks and dancing take place on
the saint's day eve (Thu. 18). Actual feast day is Fri. 19, devoted to
religious observances and sometimes cockfights, horse racing and rodeos.
San José is patron saint of Puerto's colonia Emiliano Zapata, so they, too, are in fiesta during these days. 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.
Friday 19
Friday of the Good Samaritan
Part of the Lent observances, this day marks the kindness of the Good
Samaritan women who gave Jesus water during his 40-day ordeal in the
desert. It is customary for people to set up decorated stands of
flavored waters and offer them to neighbors and passers by.
Saturday 20
Spring Is Here
It begins officially at 12:49 a.m.
Sunday 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.
It's a national holiday, but this year it falls on a Sunday when banks and government offices are normally closed. A civic ceremony to honor the great man will be held at 9 a.m. at Town Hall Esplanade and at 5 p.m.
There is also normally children's parade to celebrate Spring and a cultural program, also at the Explanada de la Agencia Municipal
Tuesday 23 - Wednesday 24
Annual Fiesta of Saint Gabriel Mixtepec
The gateway to Nopala and this is one of two major fairs of the year.
Details of the events were unavailable at press time.
Saturday April 3
Homage to Alvaro Carrillo
Alvaro Carrillo Alarcón was the Lennon and McCartney
of his day. A great composer and a brilliant lyricist, he is best known 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, including Alvaro's son
and trios and vocalists from Mexico City and Acapulco.
6 p.m. - midnight, Municipal Square, Pinotepa Nacional
Sunday April 4
Daylight Savings
Spring Forward! It takes effect at 2 a.m, when clocks are to be set
forward one hour (i.e. 2 a.m. becomes 3 a.m.).