WAS IT SOCRATES who observed that "Time flies like an arrow; Fruit flies like a banana?" Is it not amazing that we are about to put the year 2006 into the archives?

By any measure, it can not qualify as a good year: In the world, in México, or in Oaxaca. Here in Puerto we are often insulated from the horrors and strife that inflicts this conflicted planet. But those of us whose livelihood depends on the influx of tourism have felt the pinch.

So as the year winds down, and we enter the season of Peace, Love and Goodwill, let me express my fervent hope that all of the above prevail. I would like to offer you my sincere hopes that you and yours find peace, joy and prosperity in the New Year and beyond.

And, since I've embarked on this gushing of good vibes, let me ask all of you who appreciate this modest journal to support the businesses which have made it possible for El Sol de la Costa to survive into its 10th year. When you make your purchase, be it a bag of cement or a dinner, consider first those advertisers, who by their presence here, show that they value your business. Happy Holidays
_ _ Warren Sharpe, editor

This Month in Puerto

It is probably not mere coincidence that these visitations occurred on the hill of Tepeyac, site of one of the most important prehispanic religious centers in central Mexico.

The temple on the hill at Tepeyac (today the actual site of the Basilica of Guadalupe where the image is housed) was dedicated to the worship of Tonantzin, Our Mother . The religious authorities tried in vain to eradicate this tenacious cult, and perhaps decided instead to Christianize it in the form of Guadalupe.

The image of the Virgin of Guadalupe, Mexico's national patron saint, is one of the great religious enigmas. This rough handmade garment has lasted nearly 500 years. The normal lifespan for a rough cloak of agave fibre, would be 10 to 20 years.

The symbolism of this image in that non-literate colonial society was powerful; it said that this woman was greater than the Moon she stood upon and her blue-green cloak meant that she was an ambassador of the Sun God. The stars on her cloak formed the constellations as they appeared in the sky on December 12, 1531. At her waist was a black sash, as was worn by pregnant women at that time.

Most important of all, unlike the paintings and statues in the invaders churches, this messenger from God had a coppery brown skin tone, not unlike that of the indigenous people. Guadalupe was embraced as the protector of the Indian and Mestizo masses under the harsh conditions of colonial rule. Hers was the banner raised to lead the struggle for Independence.

Her recognition by Pope John Paul II as Mother of the Americas and the canonization of Juan Diego in 2002 spread the veneration of La Guadalupana far beyond her ethnic and religious roots: artists around the world depict aspects of her in every medium. She represented justice in the recent immigrant protests in the U.S. and many non-Christian women have embraced her as a symbol of feminist empowerment.

Saturday 16, Sun 17
9th Artists of Zicatela International Art Fair
Has it really been nine years since the the Hotel Arcoiris and Galeria Diana launched this holiday arts fair? The lofty aim is to promote art, creativity and cultural interaction in the community, but you can enjoy it any way you wish, including an opportunity for seasonal gift shopping.

Artists of every conceivable shade - - painters, sculptors, jewelry makers, weavers, writers etc. - - will exhibit their work for sale, but there will also be lots of entertainment, demonstrations of craft techniques, classes, workshops, music and dancing and special events.

All activities are free of charge at the pleasant installations of the Hotel Arcoiris on Zicatela Beach. For more info: 582-0432 or 582-1494.

Saturday 16 - Mon 18
Fiesta of Our Lady of the Solitude
The Fiestas of November not with-standing, this is Puerto's official Annual Fair, in honor of its patron saint, the Virgin of Solitude.

The legend of La Soledad originates in the 17th century, when the city of Oaxaca was on the main trade route between Veracruz and the Pacific coast. According to this legend, a mule-teamster was puzzled to discover an extra animal, with a strange wooden chest, as part of his team.

As he arrived at the monastery of Saint Sebastian the mule fell down and resisted all efforts to get it on its feet. Authorities were sent for and the mysterious box was opened, emitting a strong smell of gardenias. Inside was an image of the Virgin and a wooden icon of Christ.

A miracle was proclaimed and a temple dedicated to the Virgin of Soledad was erected at the site of the mule's demise. (You can visit the Basilica of Soledad and its adjoining museum in the city of Oaxaca on Avenida Independencia).

Puerto's celebration of its patron saint features all the usual elements of the traditional fiesta on the coast: lively parades and solemn processions, lots of brass band music, fireworks, dances, rodeos and so on, but it includes a unique local custom that reflects Puerto's history as a fishing port: this is the ritual of taking the statue of the Virgin out to sea. On the actual feast day, Dec, 18, the statue of La Soledad is carried from the church to the beach, hoisted aboard a boat and a flotilla comprising the entire fishing fleet, crammed with the faithful, cruises into the ocean, accompanied by lively music and rockets.
Program of Events:
Saturday 16
5 p.m. Convite Procession to invite everyone to participate in the fiesta activities.
8:30 p.m. Calenda this cande-lit procession is particularly elaborate, with floats, hundreds of beautifully dressed madrinas bearing baskets of flowers and fruit, huge parade puppets and several bands.
Sunday 17
1 p.m. Mass and Community Meal with entertainment by various traditional brass bands.
8 p.m. Cultural Program, culminating in the castillo, spectacular fireworks display.
City Hall Plaza
Monday 18
5 a.m. Mañanitas serenade to the patron saint.
6 a.m. Dawn Mass
4 p.m. Procession to the Sea, the image of the Virgin will be taken out to sea, followed by a mass at the jetty.

Saturday 18 - Fri 22
Furniture Fandango
Mueblería Junior's hosts this Manufacturers' Sale, promising big discounts at the City Hall Esplanade.

Thursday 21
First Day of Winter
it officially begins at 6:22 p.m.

Sunday 24
Christmas Eve
Noche Buena, the Good Night, is Christmas Eve is when the Christmas celebration takes place in Mexico, the night when the family gathers to enjoy the Christmas party. Hotels and restaurants offer special dinners, dances and festive entertainment.

Midnight Mass is called Misa de Gallo, rooster mass. Dec. 25, Christmas Day, is unusually quiet in Mexico, as everyone recovers from the night before.

Sunday 24, Monday 25
Annual Fair in Barra de Navidad
There are two Barras, this one is on the far side of the Colotepec River. Details were unavailable at presstime, but the residents of Christmas Sand Bar will certainly showcase their eco-preserve where they provide nature tours of the twin lagoons wetlands of Los Naranjos and Palmazola. See back issuesof El Sol de la Costa for more the amazing biodiversity of the Oaxacan Coast.

Thursday 28
Innocent Children
The feast day that commemorates Herod's order to kill all new born boys in an attempt to kill the baby Jesus. It has become México's equivalent of April Fools' Day, when people play tricks and practical jokes on each other. Is it not the fate of innocents in this world to be made fools of?

Sunday 31
New Year's Eve
In case you haven't been paying attention, here comes 2007!

Wed January 3, Sat 6
Puerto Blues 2007
Everybody's favorite winter music festival blasts off at a new venue, the toney, upscale Caracol Plaza Hotel Resort with Jimi "Blue" Mamou and Enrico Clivellaro.
8:30 Caracol Plaza
See more.

Saturday, Jan 6
Day of Kings
The 12th Night of Christmas, Epiphany or Day the Kings, is the traditional day for Christmas gift giving in México. More on Dia de los Reyes

January 10
The Angina Concert
Extra date in the Blues Fest line-up, preview of the Harp Attack
8:30 Rockaway. Zicatela

Tuesday 10 - Fri 13
Annual Fair, Santa María Colotepec
Colotepec holds one of its numerous fairs to honor the Virgin of Guadalupe. It's common for rural communities named for her to hold their festivities around the 12th day of other months. This practice dates back to the days when there simply weren't enough circuit priests available to officiate in the smaller, outlying communities Dec. 12.

Friday 13 - Tue 15
Fiesta of the Virgin of the Poor, Col. Lázaro Cardenas
a traditional fiesta with all the trimmings, but on a small, neighborhood scale. Lázaro Cárdenas is the original and most populous of Puerto's colonias. Located across the highway above Zicatela Beach, it is a modest neighborhood of fishermen and working people, so it is appropriate that the Virgin of the Poor was adopted as the patron saint.

The major night of entertainment is Mon. Jan. 14, when the fireworks of the castillo are set off. The castle is a tower of cane and bamboo, or more commonly these days, wood strips. It is rigged with a series of spinning, whizzing, exploding wheels that are set off in ascending sequence from a single match. There's the usual carnival, offering rides, a midway and haunted house. There's a three-day cockfighting tournament, jaripeo bull-riding rodeo and wild horse races.

Wednesday 17, Sat 20
Puerto Blues 2007
Next up: the Harp Attack with with Dave Rotundo, Jerome Godboo, Enrico and Dan Dufour.
8:30 Caracol Plaza

Read This Month's Feature Articles:
Navidad
Turkey Mole
Puerto Blues 2007