Getting the 9 days of events organized actually takes more effort than you would realize – or maybe not, if you’ve tried to organize something in Mexico! It entails not just getting the participants lined up, but also who is going to pay for them – the different churches and colonias, and this year there’s the new administration at all levels, trying out new ideas.
So:- better late than never, here are the events for the final few days, all of which take part in the downtown El Centro plaza (except for the horseback ladies display, read on for details) :-
Wednesday 21 Jan:
5.30 – 7pm: Free bouncy castles for the kids
7pm: Mass
7.45 pm: Arrival of torch procession (they come from different areas)
8.00 pm: Pre Hispanic dancing display by the youngsters, plus local comedians
10.00 pm: Banda de viento (local musicians)
10.45 pm: Torito: This is the man running around with the fireworks on his back
11.00 pm: Castillo: This is the metal structure with fireworks display
11.15: Banda de Viento
12.00 – 01.00: Disco music
Thursday 22 Jan:
5.30 – 7pm: Free bouncy castles for the kids
7pm: Mass
7.45 pm: Arrival of torch procession
8.00pm: Band: Light rock classic with local singers
10.00 pm: Banda de viento
10.45 pm: Torito
11.00 pm: Castillo
11.15: Banda de Viento
12.00 – 01.00: Disco music
Friday 23 Jan:
7.00pm: Mass
7.45 pm: Arrival of torch procession
8.00 pm: Municipal orchestra
10 pm: Banda de viento
10.45 pm: Torito
11.00 pm: Castillo
11.15: Banda de Viento
12.00 – 01.00: Disco music
Saturday 24 Jan: This is the big day!
11.00 am: Arrive at the church for prehispanic dancing displays
12.00 noon: You’ll hear the “cannons” ! Make sure you are somewhere to watch the fishing boats from La Cruz arrive on the beach at the plaza. Procession then goes to the church for the blessing.
4 pm: The fabulous ladies on horseback, Escaramuzas, perform at the charro (rodeo) ring on Canal Road. Coming from Mega, turn right on Encino (orange hardware store on corner), continue 4 short blocks to the Canal Road, turn right. From the highway the walk is only 5 – 10 minutes. It is opposite the Tercera Edad Seniors Facility. Small entry fee. Snacks and beverages for purchase. (This is not actually part of the organized Fiesta events but …)
7.00pm: Mass
7.45 pm: Arrival of torch procession
8.00 pm: Ballet (meaning local folklorico)
10.00 pm: Banda de Viento
10.45 pm: Torito
11.00 pm: Castillo
11.15: Banda de Viento
12.00 – 01.00: Disco music
