PERHAPS I'M FLOGGING a dead horse here, but I think that the idea of Carnaval is very cool. Perhaps that's because I had the opportunity to spend those blissful days of debauchery in Rio many years ago. So I've been trying to get more of you to actually participate. The idea I floated a few years ago was to organize a great conga line, a once venerable tradition that has fallen into obscurity, but a proven ice-breaker *lamp shades optional*. How hard is that? You grasp the waist of a scantily-clad individual and move sinuously to some tropical rhythm. Not too many takers, but if you'd be interested in getting involved, come and talk to us at our offices.

Hopefully we will be more successful in urging you to enjoy another aspect of the Oaxacan experience that is much under appreciated: The pleasures of the natural world. Eco-tourism opportunities are booming here on the coast. Explore the rich biodiversity of this special place. Some of these treasures are just minutes away from downtown Puerto, others could warrant a longer excursion.

We hope you include one of these trips in your vacation itinerary. These grass roots projects help to preserve a fragile ecosystem in these perilous times. They also bring economic benefits to marginalized communities. Everyone wins!

Note: Some of these eco-destinations are briefly noted, because we covered them in depth last year. You might want to pick last April's issue on the Ocho Venado Eco Tourism corridor, for example.
- - Warren Sharpe, Editor

This Month in Puerto

Its huge annual fiesta, in honor of its patron San Isidro Labrador continues through the middle of this month.
Monday 16
2 p.m Jaripeo Rodeo
8 p.m Boxing
Tuesday 17
2 p.m Jaripeo
9 p.m Dance with La Condesa, Veloz de la Sierra, y los Conde
Wednesday 18
3 p.m Horse Races
Thursday 19
8 a.m River Fishing Contest Turtle Release, Parachute Exhibition
Playa Agua Dulce
4 p.m. 4 x 4 Truck Race

Wednesday 18, Sat 21
Puerto Blues 2009
The Flyin' A's, Matt Schofield
The Flyin' A's - the husband and wife duo Hillary and Stuart Adamson - are from Austin, Texas. They serve up a cool blend of rockin' country, heart-breaking ballads, southern blues and "Texified" jazz, a spirited blend of original music. The Flyin' A's - "A" as in awesome!

The UK's Matt Schofield is being touted as the finest Blues guitarist to have emerged in Europe in generations. His Blues playing is infused with the funk rhythms of New Orleans and marked by virtuoso musicianship. Britain's Guitarist magazine calls Schofield's guitar artistry "dynamite!" and his latest album "Siftin Thru Ashes" has won rave reviews on both sides of the Atlantic.
8 p.m. Restaurant Bar La Hacienda

Thursday 19
Army Day
Established in 1950, this is the anniversary of the formation of a national army by Venustiano Carranza in 1913.

Saturday 21- Wed 25
African Dance Workshop
The choreographer, dancer and teacher Karim Keita, from the famed troupe les Ballets Africains in Paris, is currently on a tour of major Mexican cities offering his master class on the dance and music of his native country of Guinea, west Africa.

Thanks to the efforts of the local cultural advocacy group ZICATELarte, maestro Keita has agreed to hold this five-day workshop here in our corner of Paradise: a rare chance to probe a rich enduring cultural legacy. Classes will take place at the Hotel Arcoiris (Tel: 582-1494) Course costs $500.00, information at Patty's Salon (044) 954 582 7403. Or from: morenacruzz@yahoo.com.mx

Saturday 21- Tues 24
Carnaval de la Costa
Puerto Escondido 2009
Don't worry, be happy! It's the big blow out before the 40 days of Lent. Parades, floats, costumes and dancing in the street. How bad can that be? Special Carnaval Queen is film and TV actress Mariana Avila. Carnaval Program:
Saturday 21, Sunday 22
Carnaval Surf Tournament: Categories: open bodyboard & open short board
Saturday 21
Fiesta Inauguration: Ceremony to "Burn Bad Moods", Election of Carnaval Queen and the King of Joy.
7 p.m. Zicatela
Sunday 22
First Grand Carnaval Parade
6 p.m. This year's parade route: Leaving calle 3a Poniente at Av. Oaxaca, down to 8a Norte, over to Av. Oaxaca down to the Crucero, along Av. Perez Gasga, through the Adoquin, over the Regadío Bridge and down along Playa Zicatela.
Monday 23
Night of Carnaval Entertainment
Rock groups, dance troupes, special invited performers
7 p.m. Adoquín Pedestrian Mall
Tuesday 24
2nd Grand Carnaval Parade
6 p.m. Leaving calle 3a Poniente at Av. Oaxaca, down to 8a Norte, over to Av. Oaxaca down to the Crucero, along Av. Perez Gasga, then on to City Hall Plaza.

Prizes for the best floats, costumes and dance groups, closing ceremonies, fireworks and dancing.

CARNIVAL, OR CARNAVAL, as it is called in Latin America, comes from the Latin meaning "farewell to the flesh." It refers to the 40 days of Lent, when Christians were forbidden to eat meat, had to wear somber clothing and refrain from merriment. More on Carnaval

Tuesday 24
Flag Day
There have actually been many versions of the familiar tricolor over the years. The three colors were first adopted in 1821: The red symbolizes the blood that was shed during the battles for Independence. The white symbolizes purity. The green symbolizes the fertility of the earth. This flag was first used on September 17, 1968. Incidentally, the huge flag that flies over the army base measures 25 by 13 meters, it hangs from a 70 meter pole and requires 10 to 12 soldiers to raise and lower every day.

IT'S A GRAND OLD FLAG, a very cool flag: The Mexican Flag is a red, white and green banner whose center shows an eagle eating a rattlesnake while standing with its left claw upon a nopal cactus. This comes from an ancient Aztec legend in which the Aztec people were told by their God, Huitzilopochtli that they would find their promised land where they encountered this image. After wandering for hundreds of years, they found the eagle on a small swampy island in Lake Texcoco. This new Aztec home was named Tenochtitlan (meaning "Place of the Nopal Cactus"), and in 1325, they built what is now called Mexico City.

Wednesday 25
Ash Wednesday
The beginning of Lent, the forty-day-long liturgical season of fasting and prayer before Easter. The forty days represent the time Jesus spent in the desert, where according to the Bible he endured temptation by Satan. The number forty has powerful symbolic value throughout the Bible: the forty days Moses spent on Mount Sinai; the forty days and nights Elijah spent walking to Mount Horeb; the rain of forty days and forty nights in the days of Noah; the Hebrew people wandered forty years looking to the Promised Land; and it is the traditional belief that Jesus lay for forty hours in the tomb.

On Ash Wednesday the faithful attend a special mass to receive the mark of ashes on their foreheads.

Puerto Blues 2009
Closing Party
Paul and Mike, the Puerto rhythm section keep getting better and better; Enrico's eclectic guitar playing; Dave's soul-felt harp and vocals put it together one more time with some special guests to bid adios to Puerto Blues 2009
8 p.m. Split Coconut, Hotel Jardin Real, Bacocho

Thursday 26 - Fri 27
Founders' Day
Santa María Colotepec
On Feb. 27, 1714, the colonial authorities issued land titles to the residents of what is today the county (municipio) of Santa María Colotepec, which includes a part of the city of Puerto Escondido. As well as a civic ceremony on Thursday, there is often a program of sports, rodeos, dances and fireworks.

Sunday March 8
International Women's Day
Normally some commemorative activities take place. Check with us.

Saturday 14
Intercollegate Dance Contest 2009
Once part of Puerto's November Fiestas, this is a terrific event: Groups comprising six to 12 youngsters, representing local schools and community colleges compete for cash prizes ($15,000.00 for 1st; $10,000.00 2nd and $5,000.00 for 3rd) with their original choreography, costumes and set design. Fun and super high energy.
7 p.m. City Hall Plaza

Tuesday 17
St. Patrick's Day
No more blues, but can you get the greens?

Tuesday 17 - Thu 19
Fiesta of Saint Joseph
Countless towns and neighborhoods are named for San José the great patriarch, Joseph, husband of Mary and father of Jesus. Among the nearby towns celebrating this month are San José Manialtepec, San José del Progreso and San José del Pacífico.

Read This Month's Featured Articles:
Carnaval de la Costa
Know The Mangroves
A Day with the Birdman
More Close Encounters with Nature