English Maestra: El Dia de Independencia #1

El Dia de Independencia

September 16th is Independence Day in Mexico. It is one of the biggest celebrations during the year. Many people in the USA think that the Cinco de Mayo (May 5th) is the Mexican Independence Day but they are wrong. (The Cinco de Mayo celebrates the battle of Puebla.)

I was fortunate to be invited by Emma, the English Coordinator at the Colegio, to go with her, her Mom, and 3 daughters to the celebration last Saturday. Yes, I know, Saturday was Sept. 15th. The celebration of El Grito (The Cry) is done at 11:00pm on the night of the 15th and then on the 16th they continue to celebrate with a parade and time with their families. Just like in the USA on the 4th of July, most of the stores are closed on the 15th and 16th and there is no school on the 16th. (Too bad this year it was on a Sunday!)

Emma picked me up at 5:00pm and we drove to the center of town, parked the car and walked on the Malecon. The Malecon is the Boardwalk along the ocean---a very lovely mile or so to walk. There are quite a few statues along the Malecon and people like to have their pictures taken at the statues. Benches provide a rest for the weary and puestos (small stands) sell food and drinks if you are hungry, and trinkets to the tourists.

The first picture (above) is the angel statue on the Malecon and you can see how the Malecon curves around. The red, white and green banners on the right are decorating The Arches which are, along with the Sea Horse, traditional statues of Puerto Vallarta. The little girl on the left is Daniela, Emma's youngest daughter.

Here is a picture of Los Arcos, The Arches, decorated for the special day. It appears in the photo that the arches are on stage, but actually they are on the Malecon and just in front of them is an amphitheater where programs are held. In fact, at 8:00pm this evening there was to be a program of traditional dancing. Unfortunately the program was rained out. More about that later!

And, once again, I have to ask you to turn your head to see the next 2 pictures. (Some day I will learn how to rotate them!)

Standing on the Malecon near The Arches, you can look across the Plaza and beyond to see the Cathedral of Guadalupe. The top of the church looks like a crown. It is a very pretty church and I attended services there last week.

I have to show you a picture of my friends! Emma's Mom (on the left) is visiting from Guanajuato; next to her is Daniela, 4th grade, then Emma, and Carla (10th grade) hugging her mom. Fernanda (8th grade) was not with us when I took the picture. At one end of the Malecon is the River Cuale which flows into the ocean. In the river is an island, with lovely restaurants, puestos selling art, souvenirs, clothing, etc. We walked there and found this pretty fountain just waiting to have its picture taken!