Sunday, June 14, 2009

Day of the Locos

This is a fiesta-mad town, and yesterday was one of the maddest, and one of my favorites-- El Dia de los Locos--the Day of the Crazies. See photos here. This only-in-San Miguel parade culminates eight days of celebrations, fireworks, and devotions that honor St. Anthony of Padua, the patron of mariners and fishermen, expectant mothers. animals, American Indians, and travelers, among other beneficiaries of his benificence.

Over ten thousand people, organized by neighborhood and community associations, parade through the streets in extravagant, inventive costumes of every description, each group led by a vividly festooned truck with it's own sound system, each group dancing and cavorting to its own rhythms. This year Disney movie characters were a main theme. Lots of men dressed as women. Hmmmm... Tens of thousands of other people line the long parade route (some hang off balconies and rooftops) holding upside-down umbrellas to catch the candy flung by the paraders. Kids ride atop their parents' shoulders. Vendors hawk tamales and corn, cold drinks and balloons. It's kind of like a good-natured Mardi Gras, wild and enthusiastic, but without the booze.

4 comments:

  1. I have stopped going to this event. Six years ago I was violently pummeled with hard candy by a number of Locos...was it because I look like Santa? No boozing locos is the underside of this event......yes...booze...

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  2. I always loved this parade. Thanks for the report. Look forward to seeing you soon!

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  3. I hid away in the campo this year. Yikes, 10,000 participants!
    Can't imagine how many onlookers... the other 139,999.
    inhabitants (minus two...me and anado!) It's a SMA creation which does
    make it really special... always worth great pics... Carol

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  4. I failed to see the festival this year Lulu and was happy to read your comment and especially to see the photos. Look forward to seeing more pics. if you have them?
    Roland Salazar Rose

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