Get Ready to Party! The Semana Santa Phenomenon
Tara A. Spears
It’s a human spring migration from the landlocked interior to the sunny Pacific beach-truly a cultural phenomenon. Sure, there is the NOTB spring break for the young but in Mexico, the entire country has vacation for the same two weeks which promotes family time at the beach. Multigenerational family units come to Jaltemba Bay (and all other seaside towns) for the two week period beginning Friday, March 25 continuing to Easter Sunday, April 4. Many families also stay for semana Pascal which is the week after Easter. It’s a festive, high energy time and fun to watch. Due to the stay at home for 2020 I’m certain this year’s crowds will be huge.
Of course the Mexican health department is gearing up and has protocols in place for Semana Santa 2021; whether it will be enforced is to be seen. According to the Ministry of Tourism there will be greater military surveillance on the beaches as a deterrent to criminal activities; restaurants/bars/ hotels are supposed to cap occupancy to 66% and in Jaltemba Bay, the hours of beach use are supposed to be from 5:00 am to 18:00/ 6 pm.
The Nayarit governor stresses the importance of continued use of masks and frequent hand sanitizing as well as observing social distancing. The suggestion to promote activities at home is going by the wayside as parents have had their children totally at home for over a year: all family members need fresh air and a change of scenery.
The Guayabitos Association of Restaurants and Hotels have done an excellent job of proactive measures to manage the side effects of hordes of people. In addition to placing temporary trash receptacles along the beach access points and the streets lining the hotels, adding trained first responders is brilliant. Those visitors coming from the high altitude interior areas are not used to the effects of strong sun and are not aware of the power of the ocean waves. Just the volume of trash that accompanies the thousands of people requires daily pickup.
To avoid getting frazzled by the gridlock due to the increased drivers on the road or in the stores, plan ahead and stock up in advance. Do your food shopping early in the day before the revelers wake up. Guayabitos main street is pedestrian only in the evening. If you prefer quiet, don’t get cranky at the strolling bands and many parties- put in earplugs and let others enjoy their fun! It’s so exciting to see so many middle class Mexicans enjoying celebrating spring, family, and the natural bounty of Mexico. Grab a cold beverage and spend time people watching- it’s a great way to get into the spirit of the occasion!
Semana santa reflects the joy of living that is characteristic of Mexico.
