On the Road Again with Mrs. V: Last Days of the Festival

Saturday, 1/24/15

I will begin by telling about our adventures last night, Friday night, in our little town of Bucerias. Ladd and I walked to Bucerias Centro where the Festival activities were continuing. (The walk didn't seem too far GOING there, but it sure seemed FAR returning after midnight-ha!)
Upon entering Bucerias Centro we heard something going on in "Our Lady of Peace" church, so we went in to see. There was a mass going on complete with kiddos dressed in angel costumes and a "Mariachi" band playing religious music!

Inside "Our Lady of Peace" Church

After we left the church we headed down to an amphitheater area where a band with about 15 musicians were playing. (Later we would find smaller bands of musicians playing throughout the festival.) The festival goers included babies, children, teens, adults, retired people our age, and very old people...EVERY age participates! As we enjoyed the band's performance we chatted with a Mexican couple. (Once again, they spoke MUCH better English than our feeble attempts at Spanish.) The band was up on a stage, and the bottom of the amphitheater area soon filled with dancers. Since Ladd doesn't like to dance, I "consoled" myself with 2 "killer" margaritas...yum. Then I was dancing by myself...only kidding!

Uno margarita, por favor...sin sal

Large band performing at Bucerias Festival

Next we walked around the LARGE festival area to see all the aisles of wares for sale, foods, games of chance, rides for the children, etc. As Ladd was taking pictures I wandered in search of something sweet for dessert. At a "crepa" stand I met a Mexican mother with her 5 children. All her children were getting "crepas" filled with whatever sweet fillings they chose like peanut butter, chocolate, strawberries, bananas, caramel, nuts, etc. The very polite mother offered to let me "cut in line" in front of her other children, but I told her I was having too much fun watching her children. When I told her I was a teacher for 41 years she started introducing all her kiddos to me and had them shake my hand! Very cool! So when it was my turn to order my "crepa" I had the system down and ordered one with peanut butter, chocolate, and nuts. Let me just say I was WAY over my sugar quotient for the day, but my "sweet tooth" was very happy! Plus, I've made a new amiga: the woman making the delicious crepas!

Mi nuevo amiga: the dessert crepa-maker

Now it was close to midnight and as we walked toward the exit, the fireworks began. Of course, we stayed to watch. The fireworks are set up on a "Castille": metal structure like a tower. There are wheels and other shapes like stars, an angel, etc. on the "Castille" that all have fireworks attached. They are set to go off at different times. The very last piece that went off was a halo. The halo actually DID "go off": it sailed up into the sky! As we started to move again toward the exit, we spotted the "Torito Man" who runs around like a bull with fireworks on his back! (This is one festival job I would NOT accept!)

We had considered getting a "colectivo" (small bus...also "microbus") back to the casa and even had our 5-peso coins ready, but started walking and walked all the way back. It will come as no surprise that I had a little trouble waking up this morning, but the night was so very worth it! What a great celebration!

This morning, Saturday morning, we were all out of the casa by 10 AM...not an easy feat to accomplish! Since Mom V. was coming, Ladd drove us to Bucerias Centro. Once again "Our Lady of Peace" church was the starting spot for the activities. In front of the church Mexican dancers and musicians in Mayan costumes performed some of their rituals, customs, songs and dances. The festival goers filled the church courtyard to watch. Thankfully we were there early enough so that Dallas could get a seat in the shade, and we could see the performance well.

Mexican performers: Mayan traditional dances & music

We then walked down to the beach to find a spot to watch "The Blessing of the Ships", and the blessing of the breads, tequila, fish, etc. they carry. On the street nearest to the water we came upon the start of the procession of the Mexican riders in their fancy, traditional garb and somberos. They ride their dancing horses! Some of the riders were young boys, and a couple of fathers held toddlers in front of them on their horses. Of course, the kiddos had Mexican traditional costumes on as well! Also in this procession were senoritas riding side-saddle with their colorful, gorgeous, voluminous skirts! (I wish I could buy one of those skirts/outfits, but don't think I could wear it to "Price Chopper"...LOL!)

Senoritas riding in parade

Oh, I REALLY want one of those outfits!

We found a restaurant/bar, "Adriano's", right in front of where the boats come in, and truly LUCKED OUT getting a little table that looked out on the water. We sat down there so Mom V. could be seated in a good spot but then decided to get something to eat, too. Dallas had her Quesadillas, I had a shrimp omelet, and Ladd just had "breakfast beer": perhaps "the hair of the dog" to follow last night? Ha! Both Mom V. and I had Mexican salsa, spicy and delicious, on our meals. Dallas stayed and watched from the table. Ladd and I headed out to the beach for a closer view and photo op of "The Blessing of the Ships". The boats are all decorated with palms, colorful balloons, etc. The main boat had young girls on top dressed as angels...complete with large, gold wings! The boats take turns driving up and onto the beach to the cheers and applause of everyone on the beach! What an awesome scene and fantastic morning/afternoon! I do believe it is siesta time!