Valladolid Adventures Part 3: Fiesta in the Parque Principal

 

Dancers with tambourines entertain the crowd at a  fiesta. We wandered through Valladolid's Parque Principal one day and found ourselves engulfed by a large, colorful celebration. We were somewhat mystified by what it was all about, since there were no fiestas or holidays listed on our calendar for that day. I was so absorbed in my photography that I forgot to ask. However, everyone was cheerful and friendly and it was lots of fun. 

View over the Parque's fence. As we approached the Parque, itt was apparent that something was happening. There were lots more people than usual and the walkways were lined with booths selling handicrafts and food. The rickshaw-style vehicle just over the fence is one way that people with limited mobility (or who are just tired) can enjoy the sights here.

People waving a variety of flags lined both sides of the walkway. Other than the Mexican national flag, I didn't recognize the others. I thought at the time that they might be the flags of Mexican states. However, when I downloaded the photos to my computer, I began to notice that they were the national flags of various countries. The flag in the right foreground appears from the Caribbean island nation of Trinidad and Tobago. I believe the next two on the right are from Palestine and Ukraine.

This participant is brandishing the national flag of Spain. I was able to identify it by closely studying the emblem in the middle. After examining several of the flags, I now think that the fiesta had something to do with international friendship. However, when I googled the United Nations website listing international celebrations, there is nothing listed for January 15, the day of the fiesta. So. the mystery continues.

Singers belt out a tune in Spanish as a participant waves the Mexican flag. Although we didn't understand the words, the singers were energetic, the tune was catchy, and the crowd was really excited.

Several people blew animal horns as the tambourine girls danced. The flag in the upper left corner of the photo is that of the South American nation of Colombia. The whole fiesta was very colorful, if somewhat bizarre. But then, that's the way I experience most of Mexico. Upon further reflection, I suppose a lot of U.S. celebrations could rightly be called "bizarre."

The tambourine girls dance sedately while waving yellow cloths in time to the music. Dance performances of various kinds are a popular feature of Mexican fiestas. Often they have pre-hispanic themes, but the girls' costumes seemed to reflect a classical Greco-Roman theme. Along the walkway in the distance, still more flags flutter. 

The crowd cheered lustily and waved their arms in appreciation of the performances. Everyone, including Carole and I, was having a great time. Still, we had no idea--and still don't--what it was all about. You never know what's around the next corner when you live in Mexico. But that's the fun of it!

This completes Part 3 of my Valladolid Adventures series. I hope you enjoyed it. If so, please leave any thoughts or questions in the Comments section below. If you leave a question, please include your email address so that I can respond in a timely way.

Hasta luego, Jim