Family Fun at Patron’s Festival
Tara A. Spears
Remember when you were a kid and looked forward to the county fair? A similar event is the annual La Penita Patron’s Festival that continues for 9 days of music, food, games.
The public is invited to enjoy the festivities which are celebrated in honor of the Virgen del Rosario de Talpa. There are varied and quality artistic performances, with music, dance and fun for the whole family. In addition, there will be jaripeo-dance (bull riding and mariachi band) in the Las Isabeles (bull ring). Besides the cultural events in the main square there will be exhibitions, conferences and shows. Do not miss this opportunity to have a good time and learn more about Mexican culture and traditions.
This year, the festival kicks off Friday, May 12 and runs for 10 days. Each day the different colonias (neighborhoods) in La Peñita participate in marching down the avenida culminating in a novena at the church. The participants show their devotion to Nuestra Señora del Rosario de Talpa through several activities besides the daily church session, such as singing, pilgrimages, and fireworks. Saturday, May 13, was the blessing of the fishing boats. A very timely new activity this year was a blessing of motorcycle riders.
The Saturday evening bands and fireworks are hugely popular! Due to La Penita’s ties to ranching, the two Sundays will have some type of horseback event. All activities have seating, food and ice cold beer.
While the schedule of events offer something for every age and are well liked, the foreign visitors often complain about the fireworks. Specifically, it is the predawn boomers that offend. There is tradition regarding the lighting of fireworks: The following schedule details the lighting of pyrotechnics and helps explains the practice of deep night fireworks: it’s a symbolic component of the festival. 04:30 AM set off fireworks; 05:00 AM Peal of Bells; Sunrise and Praises to the Virgin; 05:30 AM Holy Rosary Sung; 06:00 AM Dawn Mass; 12:00 PM noon mass service. If you don’t like the wake up firecrackers, go to sleep with ear plugs. Just remember it is only for a few days!
Take the time to check out a couple of the festival activities: the live performances are excellent; it’s great people-watching or simply strolling along the malecon on a lovely summer night. When you go to this vibrant community event, it’s a pleasurable way to view the real small town Mexican culture.