Celebrating Change and Independence in Puerto Peñasco, Mexico

Cultural Notes from Tessoro at Las Conchas

As I drive around Puerto Penasco this time of the year, the streets are so colorful with Mexican flags flying everywhere. This is a particularly festive September, as Puerto Peñasco celebrates both new leadership and old triumphs.

On September 13th we install Puerto Peñasco’s new Mayor and Sonora’s new Governor. The city hall is being transformed for the street party. Shortly thereafter, on September 16, Mexico celebrates its independence day – the Mexican version of the Fourth of July.-

At 11:00pm on September 15, the festivities begin. The mayor gives the cry “VIVA MEXICO!” and the crowd chants back “VIVA MEXICO!!!” This is known as “El Grito” and celebrates the call to battle by Miguel Hidalgo in the town of Dolores in 1810, part of an effort that lead to Mexican independence from Spain.

After “El Grito,” there is music until all hours. There are fireworks that have been affixed to the light poles and a hugh wooden structure that also holds fireworks as well as the traditional aerial fireworks. It is awesome when they all light up. When the locals sing the Mexican National Anthem, they do it with so much pride. Food vendors line both Benito Juarez and Blvd. Freemont and the smells of carne asada fill the air. On every corner there are vendors selling flags and anything that you can think of in red, white and green. Autos roll past, proudly displaying the flags from their vehicles.

Several years ago I had the privilege of spending September 16th with some friends of mine, Valdimar and Loleta. They are rare musicians and were scheduled to perform that night. We walked on September 15th to one of the streets where a hugh stage had been set up and Loleta sang and people were dancing and making jokes (bromas) in Spanish. Although I did not understand the words, I understood the actions and the laughter of the people. We then went back down to the municipal center where more bands were playing. Finally, when it was nearing 3 am and we were sitting in front of SeaSide Window coverings having hamburgers and drinks, I informed them that I needed to go to bed. It was of the most fun nights I have ever had.

Working at Tessoro and living in Puerto Penasco has been very special for me, thanks to many dear friends. There is so much talent in the form of music (Armando Noriega, The Light House), Julio Mesa (shell art) and the list goes on and on. When you are here, venture out and meet the real people of Puerto Peñasco and experience their holidays … you will not be disappointed.

Stop by Tessoro or give us a call and I’ll be glad to share more of my stories about life in this wonderful town.

“VIVA MEXICO!”

By Beverly Arrowood