Hound Dog
Jan 28, 2010, 6:44 AM
Post #3 of 6
(2998 views)
Shortcut
|
Are there prior announcements of such events? Any idea about how many fiestas, etc occur on an annual basis there? I would imagine that between Chiapas, Oaxaca to the north, and Guatemala to the south one could stay busy attending celebrations.
A good question, frito.
There are prior announcements but in San Cristóbal, at least, much of what is publicized is publicized over the radio and, then, often in a Mayan language. While there are a number of local periodicals published in San Cristóbal with various political or social agendas, the daily press available in the Jovel Valley is largely from the state capital of nearby Tuxtla Gutierrez. If you don´t have at least a rudimentary understanding of Spanish you are out of the loop here. Even if you are conversant in Spanish, the indigenous population of this city is significant and many of those folks speak a Mayan language primarily and know Spanish as a second language if at all. We have only been here four years having lived in Ajijic for six years prior to that so our understanding of the local culture is limited. What pleases me about San Cristóbal and the surrounding indigenous municipalities is that, despite one´s ignorance of local customs, simply by being amongst others with unique customs, one is enriched by the simple act of happening upon celebrations such as yesterday´s honoring of the San Cristóbal bishop´s 50 years as, among other things, an advocate for the locals subject to Mexican rule.
I consider myself fortunate to have been born and raised in the complex social environment of South Alabama during the 1940s and 1950s and to have witnessed the racially charged changes brought about up there during the 1960s. The racially complex environment of Chiapas is equally fascinating and that´s a fine environment in which to spend one´s latter years. While the problems associated with this beautiful region will not be resolved during my lifetime, I can sure a hell enjoy the passing parade.
(This post was edited by Hound Dog on Jan 28, 2010, 6:45 AM)
|
Forums Index
Search Posts
Who's Online
Log In or Sign Up