Festival de las Calacas 2011

This afternoon we went downtown to the Festival de las Calacas which they have every year on the weekend closest to the Dia de los Muertos. It was again held at La Plaza de la Pistola, which is a block north of Serdan at around 21 st. Street.

It was supposed to have started last night; but this afternoon there were still people setting up their altars. Every year they have a competition for the schools and choose which school has the best altar.

I was kind of disappointed with it this year, it seemed like there was a lot less stuff going on than other years, unless things start to hop later this evening. Too bad if this festival fades out, it is a lot of work for the people involved; but is also a nice event for the spectators to view.

Here are some photos of the Calacas and some of the altars.  As usual you can click on the photos to make them larger.

Shoe shine anyone?

How romantic !

Another part of the festival is an art exhibition.  The class I am in at the Casa de la Cultura, has our paintings on display that we have finished so far in this class, (September and October).  Some of the paintings are in oils and some are pastels.  There are other paintings also from other classes and others that I am not sure where or whom they are from.  They are displayed in one of the buildings at the Plaza de la Pistola.

Here is a sampling of the art displayed.

Michells Birthday Party

Thursday evening I skipped art class and Roy and I went to one of the landlords grand daughters 9 th birthday party, (turned out class was cancelled anyway because of the holiday).  The party was held at the Salon de Eventos Titanico where they have pools and water slides.  With the heat here the kids were just loving being in the water.

Snacks, corn on the cob, fresh fruit and drinks were enjoyed by all, followed by a meal of Pastel Sorpresa, salad and beans.  Cake of course followed, along with goody bags for all.  We gave our goody bags to some of the kids and received big smiles in return.

 (Pastel Sorpresa is basically a huge sandwich with various filling, covered with yellow cheese and decorated with some chilis and eaten with a fork.  I kind of remember something similar to this being served at showers, etc. in Canada; but don't remember what it was called.)

A fun evening as usual.


Three pools and 2 water slides.

                                                                               

The birthday girl with her cake and gifts.

Grandma holding the newest grand child who was making a very funny face.