This issue marks an important milestone for your humble're porter. I write these words almost exactly ten years from the day I returned to Puerto Escondido in January of 1997.

I first discovered the Hidden Port in the early '70s, a young, anthropology dropout and itinerant freelance journalist intoxicated by the beauty and cultural complexity of México, especially southern Mexico, and Oaxaca in particular. That's when my love affair with P.E. began.

Before my belated return, I flew from San Francisco to London to attend my mother's 80th birthday party. So just before Christmas, I returned to the land of my birth to see my mother on her 90th (Hey: do the math!). It was the first time I'd left Mexico in all those 10 years. I enjoyed reconnecting with my family, seeing my daughters in New York and playing tourist in two of the world's great cities.

It's always good to get away; a change of environment can recharge the batteries and offer you a new perspective on life. In my case, it confirmed that the love affair continues, that this is my home and this is where I belong. I'm glad to be home and, after the cold and dreary gray of a London winter, I can appreciate more fully the amazing colors, textures, sights and flavors.

So I begin the 10th year of El Sol with what I hope is renewed vigor, humbled by the rapid passage of time and a huge debt of gratitude to the readers, friends and advertizers who have made it possible.
- - Warren Sharpe, editor

This Month in Puerto

Saturday, Jan. 27
Trovados
Eduardo Montero and Gil Sanchez present a night of folk, Mexican popular music and classical guitar, with special guest Mario Carrillo, talented son of Alvaro Carrillo, Oaxaca's legendary composer troubador.
8 p.m. VillaSol Beach Club, cover $75.00

Wedesday, Jan. 31
Puerto Blues 2007
The Jimmy Bowskill Band The boy genius returns. He was the sensation of last year's Festival. How does this 16 year-old channel 100 years of soul-shaking blues?
(Wasn't a crossroads thing, was it Jimmy?)
8:30 p.m. Caracol Plaza. Progam repeats Sat, Feb. 3

Friday, Feb. 2
Candlemas
Candelaria is the final observance of the Christmas season. It marks 40 days after the birth of the Jesus, when Mary and Joseph presented their child at the Temple (probably, in accordance to Jewish law, for circumcision).

The term comes from the Spanish word for candle (although in México the word vela is more commonly used than candela). In Catholic dogma, it symbolizes the child's being shown the Light of the World by being taken into the bosom of the church.

You'll often see ladies carrying dolls, elaborately dressed in satins and silks, from the creche of the family nativity. to the special Candelaria mass. The season's last official party, with tamales, of course, is host by the person who found the tiny plastic doll baked into the Rosca de Reyes cake on the Day of Kings (See last month).

Annual Fair in the colonia La Candelaria in San Pedro Mixtepec and in Candelaria, Loxicha.

Saturday Feb. 3
Puerto Blues 2007
The Jimmy Bowskill Band
See Wednesday, Jan. 31

Sunday, Feb. 4
Super Bowl XLI
Well, some of us care about the last game of the season

Monday, Feb. 5
Constitution Day
The Constitution of 1917 was adopted on this day under Venustiano Carranza. National holiday: government offices and some businesses closed

Friday 9, Saturday 10
Passion of Flamenco
guitarist Rodrigo Godoy and flamenco dancer Georgina Ciccio and friends
8 p.m. VillaSol Beach Club

Sunday 11 - Wed 14
Annual Fair in El Tomatal
El Tomatal is located just 20 km from Puerto, down the coast highway. It's a visitor-friendly community noted for its environmental activities, such as turtle release fairs and its efforts at sustainable economic development. There's a women's collective which produces peanut butter and tehini, sesame seed paste, a new market for principal local agricultural products. The fiesta is in honor of Tomatal's patron saint, San Felipe de Jesús. Check with us for full schedule of events.

Sunday 11 - Sun 18
Chila Fiesta 2007
The St. Valentine's fiesta in Chila is one of the best on the coast. It offers all the traditional staples of the Oaxacan fiesta, but just a little bit more so. There are dances and cultural events, and on Wednesday, 14, Valentine's Day, there's the castillo, an amazing fireworks display, preceded by the mayhem of the running of the toritos.

Of special interest at the Chila Fair are the cock fights and the Pelota Mixteca (Mixtec Ball) tournament, which traces its roots back to the ceremonial ball playing that existed among all the pre-Colombian cultures. Cock fighting is one of the popular spectacles of fiesta days and, although it's not for everybody, if you'd like to experience this aspect of local culture, the Chila tournament is one of the area's most prestigious and offers a family atmosphere rare in this normally macho domain. Check with us for full schedule of events.

Wednesday 14

St. Valentine's Day
It's a big deal in Mexico, so much so that the entire month of February is referred to as "The Month of Love and Friendship". So, you'll have ample opportunity to do something nice for your sweetie.

Wednesday 14, Thu 15
Our Lady of the Cures
Santiago Jamiltepec
One of the important fiestas in this interesting and historic Mixtec market town and regional administrative center. According to the legend, the Virgen de los Remedios, whose image can be seen in Jamiltepec's handsome Dominican church, appeared to some iguana hunters in a geyser rising from the nearby hot springs, which are still today considered to have curative powers, hence the name given to this saint. (More on Jamiltepec in our story on shopping)

Wed 14, Sat 17
Puerto Blues 2007
The Garrett Mason Band
winner of the 2005 Juno Award and son of the legendary Dutch Mason, the blues keep comin'!
8:30 p.m. Caracol Plaza

Friday 16 - Tuesday 20
Carnaval de la Costa 07
The great pre-Lenten party returns to the streets of Puerto Escondido.
Full details next issue.

Mexpipe Challenge
Surf Festival Event just announced at press time, to coincide with Carnaval.

Wednesday 21
Ash Wednesday
Beginning of Lent, the 40-day period of solemnity and reflexion for Christians

Saturday 24
Alejandra Robles
A rising star with a sensational voice and charismatic presence, a new album and presence.
8 p.m. VillaSol Beach Club

Read This Month's Feature Article:
Shopping