Fiesta San Antonio

We went to the fiesta in San Antonio last night. The night was perfect. It was quite a big deal. There were a number of rides for kids--merry-go-round, cars, ferris wheel, small roller coaster, etc. All are really small as the ride has to fit in the very narrow streets of Mexico. It was really a small carnival. When we arrived, there was a local musical ensemble (about a dozen players, plus a couple of singers) playing in the band stand, much like the one in the Public Gardens in Halifax only a bit smaller. However, in the afternoon we had seen them erecting a good sized rock band platform. However, that band did not start until just after 10 p.m. They had very large amplifiers and we were only a few feet away--much too loud. We only stayed a few minutes after they started. However, the crowds were also becoming huge so that it was becoming difficult to move around. Last night (June 13th) was the last night of the fiesta which started on June 1st.

Earlier in the evening, there was an Indian dance troup called Dansa Azteca from a neighbouring town; there were about 30 dancers plus a couple of drummers. Most of the dancers were children ranging age from about 8 or so to early teens, although there were a couple of adult women also. Although Christianity has been adopted by the Indian population, there is a good deal of syncretism so that pre-Christian aspects are mixed in. Apparently, in some areas, a pretty strong Indian culture survives and some still speak an Indian language. Mexican politicians have often celebrated Indian culture as a way of differentiating Mexico; however, treatment of the Indian people has often been very poor and the latter tend to be the poorest Mexicans. Altogether, another very interesting and enjoyable experience. Angie and Matt brought me A Concise History of Mexico as a gift. I have only read a chapter or so, but am looking forward to reading the entire book. Except for very vague knowledge of Cortez and the Spanish Conquest, I really know practically nothing of Mexican history.