Monday 3
Feast of the Holy Cross
Bricklayer's Day
See last month's issue for details on these events.
Wednesday 5
Cinco de Mayo
The holiday to celebrate the victory by Mexican forces over the mighty
French army at the Battle of Puebla in 1862. Some businesses and
government offices will be closed.
Saturday 8
News Vendor's Day
"Voceador" actually means town crier, the term that is still used for
newspaper sellers in México. All trades, groups and professions have a
special day to recognize their contribution to society. There's even a
Day of the Prisoner.
Monday 10
Mother's Day
It's not a moveable feast in México, it is always celebrated on this
date, even if, like this year, it falls on a Monday. If your mom's in
Europe or North America, relax: Mom's Day is always on a Sunday. (But it
wouldn't hurt to call her anyway.)
Friday 7 - Saturday 15
Annual Fair in Rio Grande
This important cattle and agricultural center celebrates its annual
fair with stock shows, rodeos, cockfights and all the traditional
fixings of the traditional fiesta. (more on Rio Grande)
Partial Program of Events
Friday 7
9 a.m. Official opening of the annual fair "Rio Grande 2004"
Saturday 8 - Monday 10
Sport Contests
Monday 10
Special Program for Mother's Day
Tuesday 11
10 a.m. Opening of the 2004 Cattle, Agricultural, Industrial And
Artesanal Expo-Fair. Events include a "dancing Horse' competition. Expo
continues through Thursday 13.
4 p.m. Jaripeo, bull-riding rodeo, featuring the band La Costeña
7 p.m. Cultural Program, followed by the castillo fireworks display
7 p.m. Cock Fights
Wednesday 12
4 p.m. Jaripeo
9 p.m. Gala Dance with the groups Junior Clan, las Siluetas de Angel
Martinez and grupo Rio Grande
7 p.m. Cock Fights
Thursday 13
3 p.m. Jaripeo
Friday 14
7 p.m. Cultural and Social Presentation
Saturday 15
3 p.m. Horse Races
9 p.m. Official Closing of Rio Grande 2004, Popular Dance
Thurs 13 - Saturday 15
Festival of St. Isador the Farmer
San Isidro Labrador is the Spanish worker saint who tilled the soil,
obviously a popular patron for rural México. The Oaxacan coast is no
exception. Traditional fiestas will take place this week in such
communities as La Barra de Colotepec, Bajos de Chila, San Isidro
Pochutla, San Francisco Cotzoaltepec and San Isidro Nopala, among many
others.
Sat 15 is the actual saint's day, so the peak of the festivities will take place on the eve of the feast, Fri 14. This is the night of the traditional castillo, or "castle", a wondrously choreographed display of pyrotechnical magic. The cohetero, "rocket maker", also creates los toritos, "little bulls", effigies of bulls and other figures, carried on the head and shoulders of local youths as they rush around the square in a loud explosion of fire and smoke. Quite a show!
Partial Program, Bajos de Chila:
Thursday 13
5 p.m. Convite, a festive parade through the streets of town, to announce
the beginning of the festivities and to invite everyone to participate.
9 p.m. Calenda, more of the same, but along with the brass band, the
elaborate costumes and the giant papier-mache calenda puppets, there's
the added element of candle-lit paper globes, rockets and a few shots of
mescal.
Friday 14
7 p.m. Social and Cultural Program
10 p.m. Fireworks
Saturday 15
8 p.m. Mrs. Bajos de Chila Contest
11 p.m. Dance with live music
Saturday 15
Teacher's Day
Tribute day for the nation's maestros. Apples all
around. Civic program at Municipal Esplanade.
Sunday 23 - Wed 26
Annual Fair
La Luz Tutútepec
The feast of Our Lady of the Light is the occasion for this town's party of the year.
Tuesday 25
Students' Day
Yes, it seems like just a few weeks ago that we celebrated Children's
Day. But here is another excuse for a school holiday.
Saturday 29
Grand Rodeo and Dance
Actual program was unavailable at press time, but these monthly events
at La Costañita Plaza de Toros always feature the fiercest bulls, the
best riders and first-rate musical groups.
Sat. 29 - Sunday 30
Children's Surf Festival
Come on out to cheer on the surf stars of the future. This competition
is for kids aged 4 to 8 and 9 to 14. See more details.
10 a.m. - 4 p.m. Carrizalillo Beach