The best part about being in Mexico this time of year is there’s so much going on with the Livestock Expo and the Fiesta in Tepa, ‘Feria Tepabril 2011’. Every night there are things to see and do! This week one of the major events of the fiesta was held – ‘Senor de la Misericordia’ - a massive parade through the city for three days, with floats, bands, lots of charros (Mexican cowboys), native music and dance. Soooo many people packing the streets & centre square - crazy for three days straight!!! People sell things everywhere, from toys to chairs for people to sit on & all different kinds of food. The colours, sounds & vibe are amazing! There is 'Banda' music playing everywhere - on the street, in the open bars at Expo, on the back of utes (pickup trucks)! Banda is a style of music very popular in Mexico but particularly during fiestas, with lots of drums, trumpets, cymbals, singing etc - the beat is crazy, so loud!! People dance in the streets - on weekends during fiesta they dance all night in the centre square! I got to watch a magnificent display of fireworks from the balcony of the presidential building in Tepa. The main catholic church where the fireworks took place around was all lit up in all different changing colours - stunning!!!!! Have also had the opportunity to see some sports that I’ve never seen before: Mexican rodeo - very popular, very competitive and great to watch with beautiful horses & sombrero wearing 'cowboys' ; Corridas de Toros (bullfighting) - not for the faint hearted ; and Peleas de Gallos (cockfighting)! Really enjoying immersing myself in the culture and seeing things I would never see otherwise in Aust!
