Stay at Home Policy Cancels Popular 2020 Fiesta Patronales
Tara A. Spears
Due to the ban on people assembling in Nayarit, the very popular 11 day festival celebrating the La Penita Catholic church patron is cancelled. First the bars were forced to close; then restaurants; next no alcohol can be sold and all parks were closed; finally the churches had to cease services. While beach vacations are a huge industry in Jaltemba Bay, religious tourism is a viable hospitality item and many Mexicans from all over the country normally travel to participate-but not this year.
Although the Patron saint festival is much more secular than sixty 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.
One of the most anticipated happenings in Jaltemba Bay is the mid May festival of the town patron saint. Usually the festival would be starting Friday, May 8. Each year the village (puebla) of La Peñita de Jaltemba celebrates the Patron Saint’s Festival of Our Lady of the Rosary. During these 11 days, the different colonias (neighborhoods) in La Peñita organize to participate in marching down the avenida for a novena in the church. The organizers show their devotion to Nuestra Señora del Rosario de Talpa through several activities besides the daily church session, such as singing, pilgrimages, and fireworks. It is considered an honor to be asked to participate in the processions and Mass.
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 are 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.
Due to La Penita’s ties to ranching, the Sundays have some type of horseback event. Some years there are horse/mule racing scheduled; other years a rodeo in the bull ring. To keep the Sunday activities family oriented, there is live music and lots of beer.
Not to overlook another secular special day, Mother’s Day always falls within the eleven day festival; after all, Mary is the ultimate mom. Typically the main avenida is adorned with the Mexican paper art and schedule of events. In 2020 it’s a ghost town as the population stays home to help contain the spread of covid 19. Hopefully next year will be a return to normal!