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There’s nothing like a good old fashioned fiesta on a warm summer day. With Mexico’s day of independence around the corner, Jack Poole Plaza at the Vancouver Convention Centre was brightly festooned in green, white, red and spirit of the Latin American nation. MexicoFest, while celebrating the entire country, put the spotlight on the southern state of Oaxaca with music and performances in colourful traditional outfits along with a performance from pop star Benny Ibarra.
Surrounding the plaza were tents offering up drinks, food, snacks, jewellery and various handicrafts from artisans. I stopped off at the drink tent first getting a bottle (or cup rather) of fruit punch-flavoured Jarritos, a Mexican soft drink for $2.50. As I enjoyed my fizzy drink, I took in the dancing of Guelaguetza, a series of dances passed down from the indigenous ancestors of Oaxaca. After they finished, I checked out a dessert tent which had an impressive selection of sweet treats which I hadn’t seen since being down in San Antonio for San Japan – Barritas, Pingüinos, but no Duvalin (maybe I wasn’t looking hard enough).
I hovered around the area for an hour enjoying in the sights, sounds and smells, but after a long day of walking around Stanley Park, I headed home. I missed the “El Grito de Independencia” which took place at 6:00 pm; a re-enactment of Miguel Hidalgo’s famous call towards an independent Mexico.
Of course, MexicoFest isn’t over yet, as there are a number of events next week including an evening of Mexican cinema, mezcal tasting, golf tournaments and more. Visit the MexicoFest web site for a full schedule.
Mexico celebrates their 201st anniversary on Friday, September 16th, 2011. ¡Viva Mexico!
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