I Love Zumba

I guess you've heard me say that before but I thought I'd post a few photos of a Zumba fundraiser for breast cancer education in the center square tonight so you can see why. It was a cool evening and about 200 men and women joined everyone's heartthrob, Cezar, in "Zumbaing." The audience was at least as large as they sat around the square watching us workout.

































Here is a website that provides free mammograms when you click through to low-income, inner-city and minority women whose awareness of breast cancer and opportunity for help is often limited.

The Celebration Continues

We went down for our usual Sunday breakfast this morning and ran into these guys who were really into getting their photo taken. You know me, always ready to oblige.

This is the last day of parades and dancing which closes the celebration of St. Michael Arcangel. The drumming and fireworks will continue into the night.

Speaking of celebrations into the night, our neighbor celebrated her 15th birthday (la Quinceanera or Quince (XV) Años) in a traditional manner recognizing her journey from childhood to maturity. The celebration highlights God, family, friends, music, food, and dance which includes disco balls flashing and speakers blaring into the night. We left at dusk but the dancing continued until after midnight.

The family asked if Yoli and I would please take photos which we will print and give as a gift. I was very pleased to see that this celebration didn't follow the over-the-top tradition we have seen in the past which includes an elaborate white dress for the birthday girl and a court of 14 young people in formal clothing. This one had a simple service at the local church, the food was tasty homemade chicken mole and rice and the party continued in their compound.

Here she is with some of her guests and here is the beautiful 15 year old birthday girl.

San Miguel Arcangel

As always, this was an exciting week in celebration of the patron Saint of the city. The highlight is, of course, La Alborada (in English, the Dawn) which starts at 4am on Saturday morning and continues for an hour until the Devils have been vanquished in their attack on the Parroquia. By 3:30 the main square was standing room only.

I wrote about this last year here and I really like that slide show but I wanted to add this video to give you a sense of the incredible hour of noise and energy. This video is about 11 seconds and if your volume is up you will get the idea of what the hour sounded like. You can hear the church bells as well. Bryan says he will bring his ear plugs next time.

Forever 54

In the US we have the shop Forever 21 but here in San Miguel we, apparently, aspire to remain the magical age of 54. Thought you would enjoy.