Marine turtles confuse these bags with jellyfish and they suffocate trying to swallow them. Similarly thousands of dolphins die, victims of a sandwich wrapper. These creatures don t understand human litter . . . for them it's simple: If it floats on the water, you eat it!" In studies of the albatross on Midway Island, far from the centers of human population, Dr. James Ludwingn made a startling discovery: "Within the caw and stomach of just eight dead albatross chicks, were 42 bottle caps, 18 lighters and other sundry bits of plastic detritus. The adult birds feed their young with morsels they pluck from the ocean surface.So, during your visit this beautiful resort, when you see the inevitable discard of some insensitive, mindless fool, remember that, although it isn't your trash, it is your beach. Do as Carlos suggests: Play "Who can collect the most plastic" with your kids. Or simply take it away, far from the ocean and feel satisfied in the knowledge that, because of this simple action, you may have saved the life of a dolphin.
Thank you, Carlos
Saturday 3
2nd Annual Sprint Triathlon, Puerto Escondido
The second running of this event, sponsored by the "Iron Man" Triathlon
Club of Oaxaca with the support of local and state authorities.
Competitors engage in a three-part race: swimming, running and biking.
There are categories for everyone, male and female. from 8 years to 60 +.
(Registration and pre-race meeting Friday 2, at the Town Hall.)
9 a.m. Playa Principal.
Sunday 4
Daylight Savings Begins
Spring Forward! It takes effect at 2 a.m. on the first Sunday of April,
when clocks are to be set forward one hour (i.e. 2 a.m. becomes 3 a.m.).
Sunday 4 - Sunday 11
Easter Week
It starts with Palm Sunday observances, culminates in Easter Sunday, and
it's the busiest holiday weekend of the year. Apart from the religious
rituals, there are plenty of profane diversions to amuse the hordes of
visitors, who will descend on Puerto Escondido and every other resort in
México this week. Among them: the Fiesta del Mar, a three-day program of
music and games on the main beach, a beach fiesta with fishing
tournament, Miss Bikini contest and what have you at Barra de Colotepec
and the Ecology and Folkloric Fiesta in Barra de Navidad. (See
more)
For more on these and other "Holy Week" activities, see our lead story.
Wednesday 7 - Sat. 10
Cockfight Tournament
It's not for the squeamish, but it is a popular entertainment at fiesta
time.
7 p.m. Calle 1a Sur (next to the Hotel Vista Hermosa)
Saturday 10
Anniversary of the Death of Emiliano Zapata
Lured into a treacherous ambush by Col. Jesús M. Guajardo in Chinameca,
Morelos on April 10, 1919, the hero of the Mexican Revolution died with
ten of his followers.
Time has not diminished the appeal of Zapata, nor the power of his political message. Flags are flown at half mast on public buildings.
Saturday 10
Grand Rodeo & Dance
Some of the best rodeo stars in México compete for big money prizes in
this bull-riding contest. The bands La Fiera de la Chilena and Tierra
Mojada will help keep the action going and provide music for dancing
afterwards.
5 p.m. Plaza de Toros La Costeñita
Sunday 11 - Tuesday 13
1,647th Anniversary of Villa Tututepec
At the time of the Spanish conquest, the Oaxacan coastal region had long
been under the control of a Mixtec dynasty based in Tututepec.
Villa Tututepec de Melchor Ocampo celebrates this long history of
continuous population with special events this week. Here's a partial
program:
Sunday 11
8 a.m. Volleyball Tournament
10 a.m. Environmental, Cattle and Agricultural Fairs (continuing through Tuesday 13)
11 a.m. Crafts Fair (until Tue 13)
12 p.m. Art Exhibition
3 p.m. Track Meet
6 p.m. Cultural Event
Monday 12
8 a.m. Art Exhibit
11 a.m. Book Fair
5 p.m. Gastronomy Fair
Presentation on Alternative Medicine
6 p.m. Cultural Event
Tuesday 13
6 a.m. Bicycle Caravan through the towns of the county
2 p.m. Community Meal
3 p.m. Jaripeo rodeo
6 p.m. Cultural Event
Thursday 22
Anniversary of the Beginning of the Mexican Conquest
Two years after the discovery of México and 27 years after the discovery
of America, Capt. Hernán Cortés disembarked on Good Friday, 1519, near
what was to become Veracruz, to launch the Spanish Conquest of México.
The expedition was comprised of 11 ships carrying 500 soldiers, two crossbowmen, 13 musketeers, 18 horses, 14 artillery pieces, 109 sailors and 200 Indian guides and bearers. Cortes called the place Villa Rica de la Vera Cruz, "Rich Town of the True Cross," and founded the first European town in America.
Friday 30
Children's Day
A special day devoted to children was established in México in 1924,
shortly after the Geneva Declaration on the Rights of Children was
issued calling on all the nations of the world to protect and cherish
the young.
It has become a mini Christmas with gifts of candy and toys. Puerto Escondido DIF, a family and child welfare agency and the local FM radio station, Radio Esmeralda, host toy drives so that needy kids can also enjoy a day of happiness. And don t forget your favorite neighborhood urchins.
Saturday May 1
Labor Day
A national holiday: banks, some businesses and government offices will
be closed.
Monday May 3
Day of the Holy Cross
Major religious fiesta celebrated in many communities, especially
important in Santa Cruz Huatulco and Santos Reyes Nopala
Bricklayer's Day
Every trade or profession in México has a day to recognize its
contribution to society. This one's for those involved in construction.
As it is also the day of the Holy Cross, crosses are often placed at
building sites. Not much concrete will be poured today.
Festival in Barra
(la Fiesta de Boca Barra) Barra de Colotepec, which sits at the mouth of the Colotepec River, hosts an Easter weekend fiesta each year that includes a fishing (Friday) tournament, Miss Bikini contest (Saturday) and Beach Rodeo (Sunday). The entrance to the town is just before you reach the bridge over the Colotepec River.
Ecology & Folklore Festival
The "other" Barra, Barra de Navidad (Christmas sand bar) is located on the far bank of the Colotepec River.
On Easter Weekend the town will show off its eco-tourism preserve. (See more) Besides eco-tours there will be beach soccer and volleyball, concerts of local music and other cultural presentations plus food and drink typical of the region.