Fiesta de Los Barriles

I finally got to hit my first Mexican festival this weekend. It was kind of like a "Los Barriles days" here in town. I heard it was an Independence Day, but from what I'm not sure? Mexican independence day is in September, so I can only be led to believe that it might be a "made-up" holiday to give an excuse to party? Hey, I like that!

So, we (Scott, Linda, KC) and myself decide to walk down, get some tacos and enjoy the festivities. But, most importantly we want to see the reigning of the Queen. Sweet Jeezus, there is a lot of hoopla about the reigning of this here Queen. I thought it might be like the Queen of Mexico the way everyone is talking about it!

As we walk upon the festival, I realize that Mexico has become the dumping ground of all things old. For instance, there are carnival rides for the kids (and adults). Personally I wouldn't step on the ferris wheel or anything else for that matter if you offered me $100. I think the last time the ferris wheel saw grease was 1986. But, some of the little kids rides struck an old familiar cord. I'm sure all of you remember the swing ride? And the old "wuinnie the poo" cars that circled the track. Or the bumper cars that have about a 400 square foot track and are the size of a small big wheel. Anyhow, I smartly said "no" when asked if I wished to take a ride. But los ninos were having lots of fun.

So the three of us settled down for a dinner of carne asada (10 pesos) y sopa de frijoles (10 pesos) and, of course, a Modelo. And enjoyed the entertainment of those walking around, and those in neighboring tables.

After our bellies were full we decided it might be best to go into the arena and get some seats for the upcoming "reigning". So we setteled near the stage, secured more Modelo and got ready. It began with one of the Mexican cowboys singing about how much he loves me...well, not really, but when I can't understand the songs I like to think that's what they are singing about. Am I right Aimee and Paul (Oktoberfest)? He had a great voice, and I think he was singing about his "amore", it just wasn't me.

Then the local cheerleaders came out to do a couple of "dances", or maybe cheers. Even though they were wearing the colors of my alma matter, Rainier Beach HS, (Navy/Orange/White), they didn't have quite the rhythm of my school. But they were really cute and worth all of the hoopla.

Suddenly the crowd stands, clapping begins, and amongst the masses you can see the girls being lined up in their beautiful gowns. Slowly they are led out, receive their rose and go stand by their appropriate chair. All the time being very glamous with hand waving, and elegant smiles. A lot of clapping happens, some whistles and speeches (of which none of us understand). AND THEN THE QUEEN COMES OUT....she really was beautiful and her wave was much better than the other girls~

So after the actual crowning, the dancing happens and then the real entertainment began. Well, in our eyes at least. Apparently there are only two requirements to being in charge of the fireworks at a fiesta; you must smoke, so you can light the fireworks of course, and you must be able to run like hell for when your fireworks get out of hand. The firework show began with this haphazard metal structure that had various whistles and lights and sparkles and whatever else. The firework "master" would light each one by cigarette and then jump back as sparks flew everywhere. That's when the roof caught on fire. However, no one seemed to mind as they continued the show. And everyone just casually stepped off? Then the big boomers were shot into the sky. And when I say "shot into the sky", I mean they were shot up about 40 feet, so all of the burning debris fell on us, the crowd. Embers were on peoples clothes, in their hair (the Mexican guy behind me started swatting me on my head as my hair seemed to be on fire). The whole time, all of us were laughing hysterically. I mean where else would you go in this world where something so dangerous would be so ignored? I am still chuckling to myself as I think about the whole affair...

After that we all headed home, afterall the crowning didn't begin until ten. Plus the parade was begining at 8am the next morning. And we would have to make it to the parade! Where else would we be able to see los ninos dressed up as mini-guerillas, or futbol players, or driving their 76 red camaro's with radios mounted on the back? Yes, I may find my future husband in Los Barriles...I mean come on' 76 camero's...

All in all the fiesta was muy bueno. I'm so glad I got to be a part of it!

Vive Mexico.