This Month in Puerto

Lawyer's Day
Every year, the lawyers are allowed to run the world for a day . . .
No seriously, in México every trade and profession has a designated day on which they are saluted and their contribution to society is acknowledged. Yes, even lawyers. Be nice.

Thu 14 - Sat 16
Fiesta of Our Lady of Carmen
This saint's day is very important in the city of Oaxaca, where it marks the beginning of the famous Guelaguetza Festival Here on the coast, Nuestra Señora del Carmen is patron saint of Puerto's Colonia Libertad, Zapotalillo at Chacahua National Park and Candelaria, Pochutla.

Traditional saint's festivals on the coast include calendas, lively processions through the streets with brass bands, huge papier-mache puppets and candle-lit globes inviting participation in the festivities. There are fireworks displays and jaripeos (bull riding rodeo competitions), dances with live bands and sports events, including cockfights and horse races.

Friday 15
Secretary's Day
We all know who really runs things. Felicidades to all of them, especially to our right hand, Paula Osorio.

Monday 18
Anniversary of the Death of Benito Juárez
One of the colossal figures of Méxican history, Juárez died on this day in 1872. An illiterate Zapotec Indian from Oaxaca who rose to become his nation's president, he is noted for his integrity, patriotism and commitment to social justice. Flags are flown at half-mast on all public buildings.

Monday on the Hill
San Pedro Tutútepec
This ancient settlement, which the invading Mixtecs founded as their capital on the coast (and about which we wrote extensively in the April, 2005 edition) holds its own Guelaguetza celebration (see below).The townspeople climb the sacred Hill of the Birds (after which the town is named) to dance to their traditional music, Fandango de Varitas. The road to Villa Tutútepec is just beyond the town of Santa Rosa de Lima at about Km 66 on the Coastal Highway towards Acapulco.

Monday 18, 25
"La Guelaguetza - Mondays on the Hill"
The sights and sounds, the flavors and colors of all the regions of the state create an amazing mosaic of history, culture and tradition in the Oaxacan capital. See our story.

Wed 20 - Fri 22
Fiesta of Mary Magdalene
This is the feast day of the patron saint of Santa Maria Magdalena Tiltepec, close to Santos Reyes Nopala. This small Chatino village in the coffee-growing hill country is best known for the slow-fired pottery produced by the ladies of the village using techniques virtually unchanged in 2,000 years.
For more on the Nopala area see El Sol de la Costa, June 2005.

Sun 24 - Tue 26
Fiesta of Saint James
St. James (Santiago) the Apostle was the patron saint of the Spanish conquistadors, so it isn't surprising that numerous important settlements throughout the empire were named for him.

Santiago Pinotepa Nacional, Santiago Llano Grande and Santiago Cuixtla are some of the local towns which will host annual fairs to mark this week. The veneration of St. James is also an important ceremonial occasion for fiestas in San Juan Lachao and Santos Reyes Nopala.

Saturday 30
Tribute to Rigo Tovar by Conjunto Costa Azul
The Mexican pop star, Rigo Tovar, died this year just days short of his 59th birthday. He had an enormous impact on popular Mexican music since the '70s with huge hits such as Matamoros Quierido ("Beloved Matamoros", his hometown in that state of Tamaulipas) and La Sirenita (Little Mermaid).

Known for his long hair and trademark dark glasses, he suffered from a degenerative disease that led to blindness. His biggest hits, romantic boleros, cumbias and rock were with his band Conjunto Costa Azul (Blue Coast), who will pay homage to their fallen leader at this dance concert. Also on the bill is the band Costeños del Pacífico.
Plaza de Toros La Costeñita (which is now covered so no need to worry about rain.)

Anniversary of the Death of Father Hidalgo
The George Washington of México, Miguel Hidalgo y Costillo, a parish priest in Dolores, Guanajuato, launched the movement for independence from Spain. Captured by colonial forces, he was executed July 30, 1811.
Flags are flown at half-mast on all public buildings.

Sun 31 - Tue Aug 2
EXPN's X Games Surfing
Last August we hosted the Oxbow Soul & Style competition. This summer, Puerto has been selected as the site for Surfing Game, part of ESPN Sports Network's X Games 11. And it will be televised around the world.

For more on this exceptional event, which will attract superstars such as six-time world champion Kelley Slater and Taylor Knox, Monster Wave Legend, see our story.

Sunday July 31
Local and Mexican national team surfers will take to the waves to show the invitees how to tackle our summertime tubes.
7 a.m. Playa Zicatela
Registration and Welcoming Dinner
Monday Aug 1
Day One (of waiting period)
Tuesday Aug 2
Day Two (if surfing conditions are more favorable)
Contest HQ is Olas Altas Hotel.

Read This Month's Feature Articles:
THE JOY OF JUICE
La Guelaguetza - Mondays on the Hill
EXPN's X Games Surfing