Festival of Guadalupe and Anahi

First of all ... we had an Earthquake here last night, around 10:00 pm.  I was on the sofa with my book and I felt it right away, it was strong enough and long enough to bounce me up and wonder what was  really going on ... and then it was over. 
I don't know where the center was or how strong, but I'll find out more.
I use the Bandaras Bay News website for local info.

And I just found out now, that my Patron at Casa Delfin, has fallen off the back wall, broken his ankle bone in several places, and is in hospital in PV, scheduled for surgery tomorrow.
Very very upsetting . So unfortunate.
Gregorio is in PV with his brother and will go to the hospital tomorrow and check in on him.

A reminder for us all to watch our step, go slow, and no jumping from back wall to roof !

Anahi's Quincenara ....  The Church looked incredible.
The Community has been working non stop for years to improve and renovate the Building.  The large round window over the door is absolutely marvelous.
The pillars inside freshly painted with large colorful Dream Catchers hanging down, and Calylilys blooming in decorative pots, everywhere.  

Even " Our Jesus " was a part of the Church Service, and stood on the right of the Altar with his
attendants.

Yelapa hasn't a Priest living in town, so one comes from different churches in the area for
Weddings, Baptisim, Quincenara's , Funerals.  There are " delegates " in the Community who conduct services on Saturdays and handle the Church business.

I have heard the Priest yesterday before, and was thrilled that I understood a lot of what he was saying.  Not quite putting the sentence together, but picking out more and more words.
I was later informed that he spoke quite a bit about sinners and the road to redemption.
We left early.

Back to the " Casino " a little after 6.with mvb & jm and joined our friends.
 ( I don't know why it's called that because it's just a Dance Hall )
People had already arrived, and many coming in behind us.  We were close to the front door and I was able to observe some of the Protocol.

Step up and into the doorway, and wait to be greeted.  By the Princess of the Evening, her Mom or her Dad.  Extend Congratulations, a hug, and your Present. Then you are escorted to your table.
So that takes care of one of my issues ... where, when and how to deliver your gift ?   Just hand it over to your hostess, she hands it to the Gift Attendant who places it on the Gift Table.    

How easy is that ... But ... I lean toward the home made gifts, cards and wrappings.
That will have to change for these kinds of events.  If you show up with anything other than
the Cinderella, Tinker Bell type Gift bag, you will stick out like a skinny white girl....

 Each table had a picture of Anahi, ( colour scheme blue, white and tangerine/melon ) napkins, and a bottle of Tequila.  Very smooth .  A canoe is full of ice and little Corona & Pacifico at the bar.  
You cannot finish your beer without someone replacing it with a new one. If you turn your head, you will look back and another little beer will be there. 
The excitement is building, you can hold it in your hands.
Families save for 15 years for this day.  It's a big deal. 

It's Mexico.

It's hot, the music is loud, I am very tired from 2 nights celebrating with BB. 
I ate out both nights.  My stomach is feeling a little fragile.  I could go for a BLT.  
The food was served.  It was delicious.  Goat Stew that was made " up the hill " in Chalcala, and driven down here. I doubt it was on horseback, but that's not out of the question.
I doubt they brought it thru Boca on the boat, but maybe.
Either way it was the real deal.  One of the best flavours I ever tasted in 14 years in Mexico.
But I couldn't eat it.   I gave a nudge and a nod and slipped out.

I heard the music all night, there were fireworks on the beach for someone Else's party.
It was still going at 4 am. Shortly after that the power went off, and shortly after that a man was in distress on the path above my house.  Obviously drunk, and lost.
I was somewhat concerned until I pin pointed he was across the creek, behind the Cantina .
A  long way away , but you could almost throw a stone. 
There are a lot of sling shots around here !  Especially useful for getting Pelicans and Seagulls off your boat.

And not long after that the " Bombus " went off.  In celebration of Guadalupe's Birthday.
I was somewhat relived my guests had left that afternoon.

The Festival lasts 9 days.  It is a very big deal.  I have already missed one event today.
6 am at the Church or 6 pm at the Waterfall. 

I haven't heard any details from the of the events of last night.  With the power off all day and being a Sunday I chose to do the minimum of housework and read a fascinating book.

The book I just finished ... unbelievable....  The Devils Highway by Luis Alberto Urrea.
He also wrote The Hummingbirds Daughter.

The Devils Highway is about Coyotes, and Migrants, and Borders.  Very Tragic.
I was very moved and will write a note to the Author.

The little Sail boat that has been anchored below my house for a good few years, broke loose
and drifted towards the rocks, but the wind being so strong it moved back into the bay, where the boys in their motor boats were able to get her secure.  The owner was in Mexico City at the time.  We were able to send him a text, to let him know. 
It's quite handy to have the Cell phones to keep in touch, when the power is off or you are
out of Yelapa. 

I'm sorry to say most of my pictures have turned out shaky, but I will post a few of them anyway.

I can hear the Rock Band playing on the beach.
I can hear the Choir singing in the Church.
In a while the Church bells will ring and the Roosters will crow.

Just another  Yelapa Fiesta.

much muchness ..
k

I have been informed school is cancelled tomorrow.  Funny how that feeling of relief never
goes away.  I'll be playing catch up here at home.

A dinner invitation to Casa Vieja tomorrow night ... she's cooking lamb.