Viva México: A Soggy Yet Spirited Celebration
Happy Birthday/Independent Mexico! Last night’s festivities on the Malecon were soggy and quieter than I have ever experienced before, but the show must go on, right? And it did.
A very good band was set up at the opposite end of the Malecon, next to the lighthouse. They kept the wet crowd dancing and happy. I was so pleased it wasn’t pouring rain, but even with the steady shower, more than once I thought about racing home to my dry bed!
Vallarta’s Mayor, Luis Ernesto Munguía, did a fine job of reciting the Grito and waving the flag, once it was freed of its cover. The fireworks were fabulous; I really have to learn how to photograph them. All I get are blobs of color against an inky and wet sky.
After Bingo at Awaysis Rio, during which time the ferocious electrical storm began, and the rain, of course, I wandered along the river back towards downtown and did not meet a soul. Or a dog, or a cat, or a car. Just me walking in a gentle rain. I had time to peruse the houses as I walked by them on the sidewalk. It seems like parts of that road were raised (a lot) long after some of the riverfront houses were built, so that their steps go down to their front door, from prime waterfront property to living in Vallarta’s Underground.
I walked over to see the new Bar Frida 4.0 on Francisco Madero, and to raise a glass of fine tequila with owner Tom Finley and to hug Mike Laking. They are so happy with their new digs. There is more space, and their dedicated patrons have followed them, clearly, into their warm, inviting bar.
John Car as Frida was resplendent in a new frock, and greeted everyone when they arrived. I sat next to John’s mom, close to the front door, and said hi to the entertainment as they drifted in. Nick Rogers and Jordon Carnegie were up first, but I had to get downtown for the Grito. In retrospect, with every raindrop that trickled past my umbrella and ran like ice down my back, I was sorry I didn’t stay at Bar Frida longer. Next time!
I have meetings all this week with uber interesting people from diverse backgrounds that I am eager to get to know better. Some I’m looking to pick their brains, while others I’m interested in finding out what’s coming up on stages around Vallarta. You will be the first to know!
A big military parade is starting imminently this morning. Traffic will be a mess, and the buses will likely only come into town as far as Casa Ley.
I can’t imagine the high emotions of El Grito last night in Mexico City: For the first time in the history of this country, the ¡Vivas! were led by a woman. Enjoy this day of rest.