Celebramos, estilo Mexícano!

Celebramos, estilo Mexícano! Hey! Last Saturday night in San Vicente, the Village celebrated it’s 232 year anniversary in grand Mexican style! Yep, 232 yrs ago the first Catholic missionary arrived and set up camp, which became a Mission, which became the Village. The entire Village basically shut down to celebrate. The small ‘main street’ was lined with food vendors cooking many of the traditional celebrational dishes… we had champurrado (a wonderful corn meal-chocolate-milk beverage served piping hot) and some tacos de carne asada (with fresh-cut cactus!). Most of our friends went with the traditional ‘corn cob on a stick’, which was lathed in mayonase, chili sauce and butter. The local leaders brought down a young college dance troupe who presented a number of the traditional Mexican dances from the body of culture called ‘Balet Folklorico’ (Folk-loric ballet). Each region of Mexico has it’s own special traditional dances, with their own costumes and dresses, accompanied by that region’s music. Once you experience good Balet Folklorico, you know you have touched the heart of the wonderful Mexican people and their history. Lori and I enjoyed over 90 minutes of this amazing group from Tijuana, which included 5 full costume changes for the troupe of 24. They danced their hearts out in the public square in front of the police station. We walked around the town square and talked with many of friends in the Village while the ‘norteño’ music group blasted. ‘Norteño’ music is centered on an accordian, and reflects the influence of the German immigrants into Mexico in the early 1800’s… not my favorite, but it grows on you, since it’s the music of Baja Mexico. The music lasted well past midnight… !! Tu hermano, Cristobal