Popular Patron Festival has Exciting Schedule
Tara A. Spears
The annual celebration of the Patron’s Festival of Our Lady of the Rosary is one of the most anticipated events in Jaltemba Bay. This year, the festival kicks off Friday, May 13 and runs for 11 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. Thursday, May 12, was the blessing of the fishing boats with Friday a procession and fireworks culminating in live music in the town plaza.
Typically the two encompassed weekends offer activities for all ages: artistic and cultural events; bands and dancing; and rides for the kids. All of the events will be held in the La Penita plaza. There are games of chance, delicious food for sale, and of course, plenty of cold beer. The almost daily parades down the main avenida that terminate at the church include the faithful, children, and floats. It’s exciting to see such family pride and commitment to beliefs. The bands and entertainment are provided by the government, or at least the town managers/citizens committees- what a great way to bring the community together to relax.
Although the Patron saint festival is much more secular than fifty years ago, it is still a significant event for this rural community. This eleven day festival reminds me of the county fairs that are common north of the border. The children are excited and the whole family is having fun either watching or participating in the evening activities.
The Saturday evening bands and fireworks are hugely popular! Due to La Penita’s ties to ranching, the Sundays will have some type of horseback event.
May 13, year of the Lord, 2022 is the second day of the novena in honor of Our Lady of Rosario de Talpa that is conducted at the church. 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, Alba and Praises to the Virgin; 05:30 AM Holy Rosary Sung; 06:00 AM Dawn Mass; 12:00 PM noon mass service. Most visitors to Jaltemba Bay do not enjoy the pre-dawn bangers- the best way to deal with it is to get earplugs. Over the years the author has interviewed many local residents that enjoy the practice. Just remember that the fireworks will be over in 10 days, at least until the next holiday, that is.
It’s worth the time to check out a couple of the festival activities: the live performances are excellent, it’s great people-watching or simply strolling to the malecon on a lovely summer night. When you go to this vibrant community event, it’s a pleasure able way to view the real Mexico culture.
