|
 Fiestas
de Octubre in Guadalajara
All the fun of the fair with a quintessentially Mexican
flavor
By: CR Staff – Originally Published in The
Guadalajara Reporter
Join thousands of fun-loving Tapatios
for the lively parade that kicks off the month-long
Fiestas de Octubre Sunday, October 5, 10 a.m. in downtown
Guad-alajara. Apart from 20 huge floats based on the
festival's theme – “Tales and Legends of
Guadalajara” -- there will be marching bands,
clowns, folk dancers, charros, motorcycle accrobats,
the festival queens and the hilarious, clumsy moji-gangas
(entertainers dressed up in giant-sized costumes). The
crowds are large, so make sure you snag a spot on the
parade route early.
 Each
October Guadalajara lets its hair down to celebrate
the Fiestas de Octubre, a 38-year tradition that encompasses
a massive Mexican fair, a cultural festival and a plethora
of sports and social events.
A large, colorful inaugural parade
kicks off this year's month-long binge on Sunday, October
5 in downtown Guadalajara. The procession begins 10
a.m. outside the entrance to the Agua Azul Park and
proceeds along Avenida 16 de Septiembre, past the Plaza
de Armas, and up Avenida Alcalde to La Normal traffic
circle.
Organizers estimate that than two
million spectators will watch the two-hour parade, which
will boast 20 huge floats designed around the festival's
theme: historical legends and magical tales of Guadalajara.
Other participants will include marching bands, clowns,
folkloric dancers, charros, motorcycle accrobats, the
festival queens, and the hilarious, clumsy mojigangas
(entertainers dressed in giant costumes). Remember,
the crowds are huge, so find a space along the parade
route early if you want an unobstructed view.
The main entertainment venue of the
Fiestas is the Auditorio Benito Juarez, which holds
the Foro Principal (main arena), Palenque (cock fighting
arena) and a surrounding fairground with plenty of attractions
for all ages.
 Mexican
music stars from yesterday and today perform each evening
(8 p.m.) throughout the festival in the Foro Principal
-- Alejandra Guzman, Elefante, Kabah, El Consorcio,
Sin Bandera, Enrique Guzman, Lupita D'alessio, El Gran
Silencio are just a few of the top names. Even bigger
stars appear in the Palenque around 11 p.m. after the
bloody cockfighting business has concluded (you don't
have to attend the cockfights -- just turn up when the
show starts). The music is as Mexican as you can get:
rancheras, corridos, the blast of bandas and Norteño
beats. Top names booked this year include Vicente Fernandez
(Oct. 10, 11), Rocio Durcal (Oct. 15), Banda Cuisillos
(Oct. 22), Los Tigres del Norte (Oct. 24), Alejandro
Fernandez (Oct. 30 and Nov. 1) and Marco Antonio Solis
(Nov. 2).
If you just want to enjoy a laid-back
carnival atmosphere, the fairground, open daily from
9 a.m., provides plenty to do, especially if you have
kids in tow. Hundreds of food stands and vendors hawking
everything from clothes and crafts to vacations and
water-purifying equipment clog the Auditorio. Many government
agencies set up useful informational booths at the fair.
One large area is devoted to amusement park rides and
there are several halls with special activities for
children, including a terror mansion and a pirate island.
A bohemian corner provides a relaxing escape from the
crowds with musical entertainment presented daily at
5 p.m., 7 p.m. and 9 p.m. And there's an extreme games
section for the strong of heart.
A visit to the Fiestas de Octubre
fairground has become an obligatory annual outing for
many Guadalajara families. Don't be surprised to see
dozens of tour groups from the provinces enjoying the
fair, especially at weekends. Many small communities
in Jalisco turn a trip to the Fiestas into their major
annual outing.
The action at the Benito Juarez Auditorium
goes on well into the early hours, as the spirits rise
along with the intake of alcohol. The flavor is quintessentially
Mexican, but nevertheless can be a positive cultural
experience for foreigners who seek new frontiers in
their travels.
 The
Auditorio Benito Juarez is located just north of the
Pereferico Norte between Avenida Alcalde and Federalismo.
Traffic and parking will be a challenge so consider
taking public tranportation (the final station northbound
on the Tren Ligero Line One is a five-minute walk from
the fairground) or a cab. Entry to the fairground is
15 pesos for adults, 5 for children. This covers all
shows in the Foro Principal but not the Palenque.
Events scheduled next week in the Fiestas de Octubre
Cultural Festival in other city venues are listed on
page 27 of this newspaper. You can check out the entire
Fiestas entertainment schedule in Spanish at www.fiestasde
octubre.com.mx. You can also get a complete program
at any of the tourist information booths downtown.
Tickets for all events can be purchased at Oxxo, Canada
or Coppel stores, or at the Auditorio ticket booths.
For ticket information call: 3647-0304 or 3647-7484.
Additional information regarding
The Fiestas de Octubre please visit:
http://www.fiestasdeoctubre.com.mx/
More information about Guadalajara
please visit: http://www.guadalajarareporter.com
** The autor of thie article
is C CR Staff.
** This article was originally published in The
Guadalajara Reporter
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