On the heels of a great summer of surfing, this month brings us another major event: the second edition of the Pro-Am Bodyboard Contest, which takes place in the beautiful cove at Punta Colorada. Read our story.
The end of October is a special time in Oaxaca, when the
preparations for and celebration of the Days of the Dead provide a feast
for the senses. The streets fill with women carrying flowers, the air
redolent of their scent, incense and the delicious dishes prepared for
the occasion. Enjoy!
Warren Sharpe, editor
![[tutupec]](images/tutupec.jpeg)
The Mixtepec rulers of Tutútepec dominated the region of the coast for centuries until the time of the Conquest. It's always worth a day trip to visit the regional museum which documents the town's long and colorful history.
Sunday 3
Municipal Elections
Oaxacans go the polls this Sunday to choose their municipal presidents.
That means the dreaded Dry Law will be in effect, from midnight Friday
to midnight Sunday.
Tuesday 5 - Fri 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 (Tue. Oct. 5). The calenda takes
place at night and includes faroles, candle-lit paper globes. There are
fireworks, jaripeos (the wildly popular bull-riding rodeo), dances with
live bands and horse races (Oct.8).
Santa María Colotepec
Thursday 7 - Sat 9
Festival of Bodysurf
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." Competition will be held on Zicatela in front of
the lifeguard tower.
7 a.m. Zicatela Beach
Sat 9, Sun 10
Rallyoax
Auto rally Oaxaca to Puerto Escondido and back. Further details were
unavailable at press time.
Tuesday 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 Mexico
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.
A public holiday, government offices and some businesses will be closed.
Thur 21 - Sun 24
![[bodyboard]](images/bodyboard_small.jpeg)
Pro-Am Bodyboard Contest
The beautiful cove at Punta Colorada is the site for this tournament
that was inaugurated last summer and greatly enjoyed by participants and
spectators alike. See more on the Pro-Am.
Friday 22
Miss Chiquita Contest
The Fiestas of November in Puerto Escondido (See preview of Fiestas 2004)
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 City Hall Esplanade beginning at 7 p.m)
Saturday 23
Mrs. Emerald Coast Contest
Another part of the Royal Trinity, this beauty and charm contest is open
to married women or single mothers aged 25 to 45.
8 p.m. City Hall Esplanade
Saturday 23
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. Jamiltepec is
an attractive Indian market town, best known for its two Colonial-era
sundials on the main square.
8 p.m. Salon Social, Santiago Jamiltepec
Saturday 30
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.
8 p.m. City Hall Esplanade
Sun 31 - Tuesday 2
![[dia de la muertos]](images/dmelizabethmauro.jpeg)
Days of the Dead
One of the most important festivals of the year, especially here in
Oaxaca. See the story for more on this most
fascinating and festive of Mexican holidays.
Sunday 31
Calenda
Festive and colorful parade to kick off the Fiestas of November 2004. It
will make its way through all the main streets of Puerto. Don't be
afraid to join in. Listen for the rockets and the music, you'll find it.
8 p.m.
Monday Nov.1
Altar Exposition
Almost every household (and many businesses) build an altar for the
dead. See how creative and lovingly constructed they can be.
6 p.m. Parque de Idilio, 1st north and 1st west.
Disco Night
Costume party with Ticolich and Vikingos providing the sound and lights.
10 p.m. City Hall Esplanade
Here is a preview of some of the extraordinary events that we
can look forward to next month:
November 6 - 7
Motorcross Championship
November13 - 14
11º Coast Festival of Dance
November 18 - 21
International Torneo de Surf
November 19 - 21
Torneo de Pez Vela